In a surprising turn of events, the external affairs ministry announced early on Monday that the eight men had been released on the orders of the emir of Qatar, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough for New Delhi. All but one of the former naval personnel returned home on Monday, and their release ended widespread speculation about their fate following their detention.
Speaking to the media after reaching Delhi, one of the veterans said, "We are very happy that we are back in India, safely. Definitely, we would like to thank PM Modi, as this was only possible because of his personal intervention."
In December last year, Qatar's Court of Appeal commuted the death sentences awarded to the men -Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, SK Gupta, BK Verma and Sugunakar Pakala, and sailor Ragesh and sentenced them to prison for varying durations ranging from three years to 25 years.
The Court of Appeal also gave the eight men 60 days to appeal against the prison terms, but in a surprise development, the external affairs ministry announced they had been released, and that seven of them had returned home.
"The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India," the ministry said in a brief statement.
"We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals," the statement said without giving details.
Hours after the announcement, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra told a media briefing that Modi will visit Qatar on February 14 after a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He also said such trips are finalised months in advance, downplaying suggestions the visit was linked to the case of the eight men.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Backing queer love stories in cinema is liberating: Onir
Filmmaker Onir's latest project, We Are Faheem and Karun, is a queer love story set against the backdrop of Gurez, Jammu and Kashmir.
Terence Lewis reveals why Saroj Khan, Farah Khan were 'more aggressive' than male choreographers
When it comes to the field of choreography in Bollywood, there have been only a handful of women choreographers. Two names that instantly come to mind are the late choreographer Saroj Khan and choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan.
Lucknow kids' reimagine Sabya's bridal collection; earn cheers from B'wood
Underprivileged kids from Lucknow reimagine Sabyasachi's bridal designs
Zendaya and Anne Hathaway join Christopher Nolan's next
Hollywood actors Zendaya and Oscar winner Anne Hathaway are the latest additions to the cast of director Christopher Nolan's upcoming feature film.
'Comedy is enjoyable but not easy to do'
Actor Aftab Shivdasani has had a good run in comedy films, with notable performances in Hungama (2003), Masti (2004) and Deewane Huye Paagal (2005). So, it's no surprise that he is excited to return to the genre with Welcome To The Jungle.
ARMAAN MALIK ON HIS THIRD EMA NOD: IT FEELS SURREAL
Singer-songwriter Armaan Malik is ecstatic that he has received a nomination at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) for his song Always with British singer Calum Scott in the Best India Act category.
'A crossover between The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and Real Housewives of NY is in the works'
Reality TV star Jessel Taank, the first Indian to feature in The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), was in Mumbai recently. Talking about her weeklong visit, she shares, \"India's so exciting-economically and culturally - it's imploding. What drew me to India is the fact that I am labelled as the first Indian on RHONY and that's a big compliment. Yet, I feel a disconnect.\"
Ricky Kej beams with joy after fourth Grammy nomination
Musician Ricky Kej is thrilled to receive his fourth Grammy nomination. Having won the prestigious award in 2015, 2022 and 2023, his excitement remains as palpable as his first nomination.
A new innings begins for Athiya and Rahul
Actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul are set to embrace parenthood in 2025, as they joyfully announced their pregnancy on Friday.
Sonu Sood is the Brand Ambassador and Tourism Advisor for Thailand
Sonu Sood, already celebrated as both an actor and philanthropist, has added another prestigious title to his name: Brand Ambassador and Honorary Tourism Advisor for Thailand.
