On October 26, a local court in Doha sentenced eight former members of the Indian Navy who had worked for a Doha-based corporation to death in connection with an alleged espionage case. The Indian government acknowledged its dismay at the decision and stated that it was considering all of its legal options.
Since August 2022, the eight men have been under the custody of Qatari authorities. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement after the Court of First Instance of Qatar rendered the decision against them.
“We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options. We attach high importance to this case, and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance,” the MEA said in an official statement, and added that India would take up the matter with the Qatari authorities.
Charges of leaking secrets
At the time of their detention last year, the Indian nationals, who worked for the Al Dahra firm in Doha, were purportedly accused of violating confidential information. As part of their employment with Dahra Global Technologies and Consultant Services, the ex-navy members allegedly trained other State of Qatar security-related service providers. Additionally, the business produced sophisticated Italian-built submarines that are renowned for their stealthiness.
This year’s March trial was the first in the case; a second trial was place in June. The Indian men were given access to consulates several times, and as recently as October 1, they were met by the Indian ambassador in Qatar. Nonetheless, both parties have kept the details of the lawsuit under wraps.
India-Qatar relations at stake
Deepa Gopalan, a former Indian ambassador to Qatar, emphasised the critical role that a sizable migrant population plays in advancing India-Qatar ties. “This verdict could very adversely affect relations between the two countries. There are over seven lakh Indians in Qatar and we have close economic ties. The Indian government has been following the case closely without doubt, but would need to take it up at the highest level to ensure their lives are saved,” she said.
The relationship between Qatar and India has so far mostly stayed stable, but this ruling is the first significant crisis to affect it. In June 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Doha. In September 2019, he met with the Emir of Qatar in New York while attending the UN General Assembly. In February 2022, Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar paid a visit to Qatar as well. As to the MEA, India imports more than 48% of its LNG from throughout the world, with Qatar being its main source. Additionally, India imports polyethylene, urea, ammonia, propylene, and ethylene from Qatar.
The political parties in opposition also responded angrily to the ruling. Congress communications leader Jairam Ramesh stated, “The Indian Congress has noted with the greatest anguish, distress and shock the most disturbing development in Qatar regarding 8 former officers of the Indian Navy.” “It hopes and expects that the Govt of India will use its diplomatic and political leverage with the Qatar government to the maximum to ensure that the officers have full recourse to appeals and also do the utmost to get them released at the earliest,” he further said.
