Indian Navy veterans, freed by Qatar, praise PM Modi. Witness their immediate reactions
After being released from imprisonment in Qatar, the seven ex-Indian Navy officers expressed their relief by chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” upon their arrival at the Delhi airport.
Upon their return to New Delhi on Monday morning, seven out of the eight Indian Navy veterans, who had been released by a Qatar court months after facing death sentences on ‘espionage’ charges, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When speaking to reporters, several of the veterans asserted that without the persistent diplomatic endeavors initiated by him, they might not have gained their freedom.
According to the news agency ANI, the seven former Indian Navy officers expressed their relief upon their release by chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” at the Delhi
airport.
A Navy veteran expressed gratitude to Modi for discussing their sentencing with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and credited their release to the continuous diplomatic efforts initiated by him.
“I am relieved and overjoyed to be back home safe and sound. I want to extend my thanks to Prime Minister Modi because without his personal intervention, our release wouldn’t have been possible. I also want to show my appreciation to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar,” he stated.
Another former naval officer, speaking to ANI, stated, “If it weren’t for PM Modi’s intervention, we wouldn’t have been released. His relentless efforts and interventions at the highest levels were crucial for our freedom, and we wouldn’t be addressing you today.”
One of the veterans additionally commended the Indian government’s involvement in ensuring their release, remarking, “Both we and our concerned family members back home had been anticipating this day for quite some time. It all came together thanks to PM Modi and his direct involvement in the issue. He addressed our situation with the top echelons of the Qatari government and ultimately ensured our freedom. I cannot adequately convey my gratitude to him and the Emir of Qatar.”
ANI quoted another former Indian Navy officer as saying, “We are elated to be back, and this wouldn’t have been achievable without the honorable Prime Minister’s personal involvement. I also express gratitude to the Qatar Emir for his direct engagement in the issue.”
“Nearly 18 months passed before we could return to our loved ones in India. Our profound gratitude goes to PM Modi for orchestrating our return. Without the collaborative endeavors of PM Modi and the Emir of Qatar, today’s reunion wouldn’t have been possible. The personal rapport between these two leaders also played a pivotal role in facilitating our release,” expressed another Navy veteran.
Earlier on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the release of eight Indian Navy veterans who had been sentenced to death in Qatar.
Who are the 8 Indian Navy veterans?
- On December 28 of the previous year, Qatar’s Court of Appeal reduced the death sentences handed down the previous October and instead sentenced the eight men, who were employed by Doha-based Al Dahra Global Technologies, to prison terms ranging from three to 25 years.
- According to the news agency PTI, Doha-based Al Dahra Global Technologies, a private firm, offered training and other services to Qatar’s armed forces and security agencies.
- The veterans – Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, SK Gupta, BK Verma, and Sugunakar Pakala, along with sailor Ragesh – were detained in August 2022 without disclosed charges.
- Among the eight veterans, Captain Navtej Gill had previously received the President’s Gold Medal for his outstanding performance upon graduation from the Naval Academy and later served as an instructor at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, as reported by PTI.
- According to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, Purnendu Tiwari was sentenced to 25 years in prison, while Ragesh received a three-year sentence. Four of the former Navy officers were given 15-year prison terms, and two others received 10-year prison terms.
- Although various reports suggested the men were charged with espionage, neither Qatari nor Indian authorities have provided specifics regarding the allegations.
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