Qatar News: Eight former Indian Navy personnel, currently incarcerated in Qatar, were sentenced to death by a Qatari court on Thursday, October 27. India expressed deep shock and dismay at the Qatari decision. The Indian government clarified that it is exploring all legal options in this matter. What’s most surprising is that Qatar has traditionally been considered a friendly nation to India, yet it has sentenced these eight Indians to death.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated on Thursday that they are deeply concerned about the verdict delivered by the Qatari court. They are in contact with the family members of the individuals and their legal team. All legal options are being considered, and India is committed to providing diplomatic assistance to the incarcerated Indians.

So, let’s find out who these eight individuals are and what charges are against them.

What are the charges against the Indians?

The eight former Navy personnel were working in a Qatari company called Al-Dhara Global Technology and Consultancy Services, where they are accused of espionage. Last year, on August 30, Qatari authorities arrested these eight Indians on charges of espionage. The trial against them began on March 29 of this year. When Indian diplomats visited the detained individuals in Qatar, the Indian Ambassador to Qatar had met with them on October 1.

Which company were the Indians employed in?

These Indian nationals were working in a company called Al-Dhara Global Technology and Consultancy Services in Qatar. This company provides defense services, including training, logistics, and maintenance to Qatari naval forces. The company’s ownership is reported to be held by an Omani citizen named Khamis Al-Azmi, who is a retired squadron leader of the Royal Oman Air Force. However, he was also arrested when these Indians were detained but was released in November 2022.

The company’s previous website has been taken down, and a new website with the name “Dhara Global” has been established. The new website doesn’t disclose any information regarding its relationship with Qatari naval forces. It also lacks information about the Indian nationals, although Commander Purnendu Tiwari had been a managing director of the company at some point. All eight arrested Indian personnel had been working in Qatar for six to eight years.

The situation is still evolving, and the exact details of the charges against the Indians and the reasons behind the court’s decision remain unclear. India is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to address this matter and secure the release of its citizens.