PM Modi Sets Sights on Diplomatic Visit as Qatar Releases 8 Jailed Indians

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Qatar on Wednesday following his two-day trip to the United Arab Emirates, announced Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra today. The visit aims to bolster bilateral relations between India and Qatar, with discussions slated to cover various areas of cooperation.

This announcement coincides with Qatar’s release of eight Indian Navy personnel who were previously detained over alleged espionage charges. The release follows extensive efforts led by PM Modi, who personally oversaw the handling of the case.

Expressing gratitude, the Ministry of External Affairs commended the Emir of Qatar for facilitating the release and repatriation of the Indian nationals. Among those released are Captain Navtej Gill, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander SK Gupta, Commander BK Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, and Sailor Ragesh. Commander Tiwari remains in Doha but is expected to return to India soon.

Initially sentenced to death, the Navy veterans saw their sentences commuted to varying jail terms by Qatar’s Court of Appeal. The negotiations for their release involved National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who played a crucial role in securing their freedom.

With over 8.4 lakh Indians residing in Qatar, the visit underscores the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. This diplomatic engagement follows PM Modi’s meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the COP28 Summit in Dubai last December, where discussions on the welfare of the Indian community in Qatar took place.