India has appealed against death sentence of eight Indian men Infront of Qatar Court

Eight Indian former naval officers were given death sentence by the court in Qatar, in October. According to the information, all of them worked with a private company and were arrested last year on suspicion of spying. Later charged with unlawful act (spying) for Israel and another country, in Qatar. The further information has not been disclosed from both the countries, considering the sensitivity of the case. However, the accused can appeal to the death sentence and are already on the action. India made an appeal against the verdict and is waiting for the further process. ‘India’s external Affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has already filed an appeal against the verdict’, according to BBC.
The news shocked Indian administration last month and the matter was taken to Qatar authorities, as mentioned by them. Available information says, the foreign ministry labelled the men as an employee of a private company, Al Dahra, while last year, they were addressed as ‘ex-servicemen’ by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar in the parliament. They were also reported as former personnel of Indian Naval force, widely. The case is being treated as ‘sensitive’ by the administration and is in constant touch with authorities in Qatar to cooperate.
Both the countries share bilateral relations such as political, trade, defence, commercial and investment relations, cultural, medical etc. International Relations expert, Vishal talked to EAT news about India-Qatar relations and specifically the possibility this case holds in affecting the existing relations. He said, ‘India-Qatar has a growing and stable relation. Both the countries share resources of multiple sectors and always helped each other during relevant times. Even though, this particular case has shaken Indian administration suddenly because no prior proceedings were shared, Foreign Minister is making sure to reach to international authorities and get further clear details about the investigation.’
The details regarding accused men briefs that all were employed by Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services in Doha which provides training and security related services to Qatar’s armed forces, according to Sky News. Does excluding of India through this whole investigation is an indication to strained relation between both the countries due to ongoing Israel-Gaza war, to which expert Vishal commented, ‘India and Qatar shares an unproblematic relation. But there could be numerous reasons behind Qatar not taking India in the loop for particular investigation. The sensitivity of the case as it involves intelligence agencies and other confidential information that could harm country’s security in any possible way. Qatar has played one of the roles in negotiating with Hamas for leaving few hostages. It has also helped financially, earlier by sending $1 billion to Gaza and other resources including medical aid. So, Qatar is quite clear with what it stands for, irrespective of what other countries interest are. I don’t see a point of this affecting relationship of both the countries.’
Reported by Sky News, the seven men are ‘Captains Navtej Singh Gill, Birendra Kumar Verma, commodores Amit Nagpal, Sanjeev Gupta, Purnendu Tiwari and Sugunakar Pakala and sailor Ragesh have been held since August last year.’ However, the families have denied all the allegations. Families were Quoted by NDTV, ‘The eight ex-Indian Naval officers were not engaged in espionage for Israel. They went to build the Qatari navy and build that nation’s security. They could never spy. There are no allegations or proof of allegations from Qatar’. The quoted statement also read, ‘All the men have had distinguished service with full integrity and represented the nation with high honor while serving in the Indian Navy.’
External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar met families and released statement, ‘Met this morning with the families of the 8 Indians detained in Qatar. Stressed that government attaches the highest importance to the case. Fully share the concerns and pain of the families. Underlined that government will continue to make all efforts to secure their release. Will coordinate closely with the families in that regard’. As per reports, families were assured of getting the detainees back to them. Globally, the matter is looked through the lens of bilateral relationship shared by Qatar and India, however domestically the issue is concerning for ruling party, BJP.
The upcoming elections in the country has kept all the opposition parties including the ruling one, on the edge. While leaders are preparing the agendas and campaigns for the next year, the existing issues need to be addressed and resolved is a main priority, currently. ‘Modi administration is putting efforts to advocate against the death sentence. It is an international matter and country would want to be considered as a part of investigation. Politically, yes India is about to witness general elections and political parties are gearing up for it. So, administration cannot afford to miss this chance’, said Vishal.
The men are detained for more than a year before charged with undisclosed allegations and authorities urged to not get indulge into speculations.