New Delhi: Seven out of eight Indian Navy veterans, who landed at the Delhi airport on Monday morning, stirred the air with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” expressing their gratitude for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s involvement in their release from a Qatar court after enduring months of detention in the Gulf country, marking a big diplomatic win for India.
The Ministry of External Affairs declared the release of the Indian nationals detained in Qatar early Monday morning.
“The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals employed by Dahra Global company, who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight have returned to India. We commend the decision of the Amir of the State of Qatar to facilitate the release and homecoming of these nationals,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a statement.
The individuals – Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal, and Sailor Ragesh – were detained in August 2022.
On December 28, 2023, Qatar’s Court of Appeal commuted the death penalty imposed on all eight men in October 2023.
Upon their arrival in Delhi, the former Indian Navy personnel expressed uncontainable joy. They credited their freedom to sustained diplomatic efforts orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the COP 28 climate sustainability summit in Dubai last December, PM Modi engaged in discussions with Qatar’s Emir, Tamim Bin Hamad, regarding the welfare of the Indian community in Qatar. On a social media platform, PM Modi shared a snapshot with Qatar’s Emir, stating, “Had the opportunity to meet HH Sheikh @TamimBinHamad, the Amir of Qatar, on the sidelines of the #COP28 Summit in Dubai yesterday. We had a good conversation on the potential of bilateral partnership and the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar.”
In an interaction with newswire ANI, one Navy veteran commended PM Modi for addressing their plight with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He expressed relief and gratitude, emphasizing that their release wouldn’t have been possible without PM Modi’s intervention.
Another released naval officer, with a serene demeanour, acknowledged PM Modi’s tireless efforts at the highest levels, emphasizing that their freedom was a result of his unwavering commitment.
Praising the Centre’s intervention, another veteran expressed gratitude to PM Modi and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for their personal involvement in securing their release.
After almost 18 months of longing, another Navy veteran expressed profound gratitude to PM Modi and the Emir of Qatar, underscoring the personal rapport between the two leaders that facilitated their release.
Amidst fervent appeals from the anxious families of the Navy veterans, the Ministry of External Affairs reassured mobilizing all diplomatic channels and legal assistance to ensure their safe return.
(With ANI inputs)