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.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 13, 2024 من Hindustan Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 13, 2024 من Hindustan Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Can you escape your own history?
Chelsea Bieker, known for her emotionally charged narratives, adds another thought-provoking title to her repertoire with Madwoman.
Life has completely changed: Aditi Sharma on welcoming daughter
Actor-couple Aditi Sharma and Sarwar Ahuja are overjoyed after welcoming their second child, a daughter.
Fans abroad enjoy our music more, says Javed Ali
Singer Javed Ali, who recently had performances in Mumbai and Australia, feels there is a \"major difference\" for Indian artistes who do shows at home and abroad.
ALI FAZAL: FORMULA FILMS WORK ONCE, NOT FOREVER
Ali Fazal challenges filmmakers to move beyond formulaic storytelling and embrace creativity
Krishan Kumar's wife alleges daughter Tishaa died of misdiagnosis, not cancer
Film producer Krishan Kumar faced a harrowing personal tragedy earlier this year when his 20-year-old daughter, Tishaa Kumar, passed away.
I am drawn towards intriguing and unique characters: South Korean actor Lee Se Young
Ask South Korean actor Lee Se Young, who played the female lead in the recently concluded cross-cultural romantic drama, What Comes After Love, shares what she loves about India. She is ready to reel off a long list of things.
'I have been typecast on OTT,' says Tusshar Kapoor
While OTT platforms have presented actors with the opportunity to take up unique projects, actor Tusshar Kapoor feels that he has mostly been typecast on such platforms.
Neeraj Pandey's Tom and Jerry-esque thriller is half-decent
Neeraj Pandey knows his audience. He likes to keep them guessing in his thrillers, from Special 26 (2013) to Baby (2015).
Smells like queen spirit: All about hair perfumes
Hair perfumes have become a popular way to keep your locks smelling fresh. Even brands like Sol de Janeiro and Nish Hair are capitalising on this trend with innovative formulations.
Ahead of her concert, Dua spotted on dinner date with beau
Ahead of her Mumbai concert tonight, Grammy Award-winning singer Dua Lipa is making the most of her time in the city.