Despite the prolonged nature of the crisis involving Indian Navy veterans, spanning nearly two years, the Narendra Modi government's response gained momentum following a Qatari court's announcement of the death sentence a few months ago.
While the Ministry of External Affairs, helmed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, spearheaded diplomatic efforts, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval conducted discreet backchannel negotiations.
Throughout the endeavor to secure the release of the Indian naval veterans employed by Dahra Global, the Indian NSA made multiple trips to Doha for discussions with local leadership, as per informed sources cited by India Today TV.
A significant breakthrough occurred recently when Qatari authorities commuted the death sentences. However, the Indian government persisted in its efforts to repatriate the sailors.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to Dubai in November of the previous year included direct discussions with Qatari leadership regarding the matter. Through persistent and multifaceted diplomatic endeavors, India successfully facilitated the return of the Indian Navy veterans from the Middle East.
Qatar has now released eight former Indian Navy personnel who were detained on allegations of espionage.
In an early Monday statement, the Ministry of External Affairs hailed the development, announcing that seven of the eight former Indian Navy personnel employed by the private firm Dahra Global had returned to India from Qatar.
