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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Holds Key Talks with Qatar’s Emir during COP28 Summit in Dubai
In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai. This meeting, the first since eight former Indian Navy personnel received a death sentence from a Qatar court, focused on bilateral partnership and addressing the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar.
The high-profile encounter follows the recent appeal by the Indian government against the death penalty handed down on October 26 to the eight men on charges of espionage in Qatar.
Modi took to X on Saturday to share the developments, stating, “On the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai yesterday, had the opportunity to meet HH Sheikh @TamimBinHamad, the Amir of Qatar.” He highlighted, “We had a constructive conversation on the potential for bilateral partnership and the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar.”
This strategic meeting holds significance not only in diplomatic relations but also in addressing the concerns of the Indian community abroad. Stay tuned for further updates on this pivotal development.”
The appeal challenging the death penalty, submitted to a Qatar appellate court, was granted approval in the final week of November. This occurred nearly two weeks following the announcement by the Indian government that the appeal had been officially lodged in the case.
On November 7, India was granted consular access to the detainees. The Qatar court’s judgment, still confidential per the Ministry of External Affairs, has been shared with the legal team.
The Indian nationals, employed by Dahra Global in Doha, were apprehended in August 2022. Although Qatari authorities did not disclose the charges, insider information suggested that these individuals, in their private roles with Dahra Global, were overseeing the introduction of Italian small stealth submarines U2I2.
As reported by the Financial Times, the eight Indians were accused of espionage for Israel, with the verdict pronounced by Qatar’s Court of First Instance.
The detainees, comprising Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Ragesh, all former Indian Navy personnel, were associated with Dahra Global.
Following the “deeply shocking” verdict, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the families of the eight men, assuring them of the government’s utmost commitment to the case.
In tandem with official efforts, the families have submitted a mercy plea to the Emir of Qatar, known for granting pardons during Ramadan and Eid.