PM Modi thanks Qatar Emir for release of 8 ex-Navy men

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said: “Had a wonderful meeting with HH Sheikh @TamimBinHamad. We reviewed the full range of India-Qatar relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation across various sectors. Our nations also look forward to collaborating in futuristic sectors which will benefit our planet.”

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said: “The Prime Minister thanked the Emir for his support for the welfare of the Indian community, and, in this regard, expressed his deep appreciation to the Emir for the release of eight Indian nationals of Al-Dahra company. We are extremely gratified to see them back in India.”

More than three months after they were sentenced to death, eight former Indian Navy personnel were released from custody in Qatar and seven returned to India on February 12. The eighth person is expected to be brought back after completion of some formalities.

The eight men, who were working with Doha-based Dahra Global to oversee the induction of Italian small stealth submarines U2I2, were taken into custody in August 2022. The charges against them were never made public by Qatari authorities. According to a report in the UK daily Financial Times, they were charged with spying for Israel.

The MEA said Modi also thanked the Emir for taking care of the over 8 lakh-strong Indian community in Qatar and conveyed India’s commitment to further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation. He also invited the Emir to visit India.

The Emir “reciprocated the Prime Minister’s sentiments” and expressed appreciation for India’s role as a “valued partner” in the Gulf region. “The Emir also appreciated the contributions of the vibrant Indian community in Qatar’s development and their enthusiastic participation in various international events held in Qatar,” the MEA said.

Kwatra said the discussions between the two leaders focused on areas of bilateral cooperation including trade partnership, investment cooperation and energy ties. The two leaders spoke about the need for strategic investments and strategic partnerships in the fields of energy and technology, he said.

He said Modi’s visit to Doha laid the basis for taking India-Qatar relationship to a higher level across various domains, and the two sides are looking at using investment as a vehicle to build long-term strategic partnership. India and Qatar are looking at broad-basing trade baskets to link it to regional trade, he said.

The MEA said Modi also met “Father Emir, His Highness Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani” and congratulated him on his “visionary leadership that paved the way for Qatar’s development over the past decades”.

“Father Emir affirmed that India and Qatar share an unwavering bond, epitomised by mutual trust and cooperation. He also appreciated the role of the Indian community in Qatar’s development and in nourishing the bilateral partnership,” it said.

Modi, who arrived in Doha on Wednesday night after concluding a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, also met Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

“The two leaders exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, energy, finance and technology. They also discussed recent regional developments in West Asia and emphasised the importance of upholding peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the MEA said.

Modi also attended a dinner hosted in his honour by Qatar’s Prime Minister.