Voice 9, International Desk: The
recent decision by the Court of Appeal in Qatar to commute the death sentences
of the eight former Indian Naval officers involved in the alleged Dahra Global
case has been duly acknowledged.
The Ministry of External
Affairs (MEA) in India has been actively monitoring the situation and providing
unwavering support and assistance throughout the entire process. The Modi
government had undertaken a comprehensive legal challenge and intervention to
safeguard the well-being of the former Indian Navy personnel.
This case served as a
significant test of the government's diplomatic influence, particularly in the
midst of a general election year. A recent notification from the MEA expressed
relief on behalf of the families of the officers and the wider Indian
community, highlighting the continuous efforts of the Indian government to
ensure the welfare of its citizens residing abroad.
The court's ruling, issued on
December 28th, arrived nearly a month following Prime Minister Modi's encounter
with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the COP28 summit in
Dubai on December 1st. During their discussion, both leaders addressed the
bilateral partnership and the welfare of the Indian community in Qatar.
Although specific details of
the meeting were not disclosed by Indian authorities, it is possible that the
interaction influenced a change in stance among Qatari authorities regarding
the death sentence case. Merely two days after Modi and Al Thani's meeting,
Indian ambassador to Qatar Vipul obtained consular access to visit the eight
imprisoned Indians on December 3rd.
