Qatar has released 8 Indians arrested on espionage charges months after it abolished the death penalty.
According to sources, the Indian nationals who have been released were charged with espionage. All of them were ex-officers of the Indian Navy.
On Monday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the credit for this decision lies with the head of the Emir of Qatar. 18 months ago, this issue had created tension in the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
According to sources, former Indian Navy officers were accused of spying for Israel. He was sentenced to death last October, which was commuted in December.
Seven of the eight people who returned to India from Qatar said their release was a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal interest. All of them were arrested in August 2022. India negotiated with Qatar for several months in this matter.
Trade relations between Qatar and India were badly affected by these arrests and trial. India is a major energy importer while Qatar is a major energy exporter.
At the time of the arrest, the Indian nationals were working on a submarine project for the Qatari government under a private company.
A few days before this release, an agreement was signed between India and Qatar under which Qatar will supply India with 7.5 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually till 2050.