Following a recent ruling in Qatar regarding eight former Indian Navy personnel, India has announced its plans for the next course of action. The country stated that decisions will be made after a careful review of the Qatari court's ruling and consultations with the legal team handling the case. This update comes after Qatar's Court of Appeals modified the earlier death sentences given to the Navy veterans.
Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), highlighted the primary focus on the welfare of the Indians involved and their families during a media briefing. "Our priority is the well-being of the Indians and their family members," Bagchi affirmed. He further stated that discussions with both the legal team and the families would determine the subsequent steps in response to the ruling.
Given the sensitivity of the matter, Bagchi refrained from providing further details.
The eight Indian nationals were employed by Al Dahra Global Technologies based in Doha. They were apprehended in August 2022 on charges of alleged espionage, although specific charges were not disclosed by Qatari authorities. Initially, they were sentenced to death by Qatar's Court of First Instance in October of the same year.
Al Dahra Global Technologies, a private company, was engaged in providing training and other services to Qatar's armed forces and security agencies.
Last month, India had appealed against the death sentences to Qatar's Court of Appeal in a bid to seek justice for its nationals involved in the case.
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