Indian External Minister Meets Families Of Indians Who Face Death Sentence

Qatar, 30th October 2023: On Monday, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, met with the family members of eight Indian nationals who were recently sentenced to death by a Qatari court. During the meeting, Minister Jaishankar assured the families that the government considers this case of utmost importance and is committed to exerting all possible efforts to secure their release. This pledge comes in response to the shocking decision handed down by Qatar’s Court of First Instance last Thursday, sentencing the eight former Indian Navy personnel to death.

India expressed its deep dismay at the ruling and vowed to explore all available legal avenues in pursuit of justice for the detained individuals. Minister Jaishankar personally conveyed his concern and empathy for the families of the detainees, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to their release. He further assured that there will be close coordination with the families in this endeavor.

The Indian nationals, who were employed by the private company Al Dahra, were apprehended in August of the previous year, allegedly on charges of espionage. Both the Qatari authorities and the Indian government refrained from disclosing the specifics of these charges. In response to the court’s decision, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) affirmed its high regard for this case and affirmed that all legal avenues will be explored to secure justice for the detainees. The charges against the eight Indian navy veterans were filed on March 25, and they underwent trial under Qatari law.