Context:
- Recently, eight former Indian Navy personnel have been sentenced to death by a court in Qatar.
Qatar Court Sentences eight Indian Navy Veterans to Death
- The eight former Navy personnel were working at the now defunct Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a defence services provider company.
- Reason: Although official charges were not made public by the Qatari authorities, according to media sources, they were arrested on undeclared charges of espionage.
- They were working in their private capacity with Al Dahara to oversee the induction of small Italian stealth missiles.
About India Qatar Relations
- India Qatar relations are deep-rooted and actively nurtured by both sides, with hundreds of thousands of Indians working in Qatar, making up a substantial part of the country’s foreign workforce.
- Historical Ties: The diplomatic relations between India and Qatar were established in 1973 and historical ties date back centuries due to trade and cultural interactions.
- These relations have evolved and grown over the time stronger and steadier marked by high level exchanges between the two countries.
Significance of India Qatar relations
- Economic Cooperation: In 2021, India was one of Qatar’s top three import sources and fourth largest export destinations.
- India’s Energy Security: Qatar is a crucial supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India which makes up almost 50% of overall Indian imports (by value) from Qatar.
- Defense Collaboration: India offers training slots in its defence institutions Qatar, also India participates Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) in Qatar.
- People-to-People Ties: There are over 800,000 Indian nationals residing in Qatar comprising the largest expatriate community in Qatar.
- Investment Opportunities: 50 wholly-owned Indian companies are located in Qatar in these diverse fields and the 15,000 jointly owned companies are adding momentum to the India-Qatar economic partnership.
- Covid cooperation: Qatar sent Covid medical relief material to India for combating the second wave of Covid-19, Qatar Petroleum filled Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) in cryogenic tankers which were shipped through various Indian Naval Ships to India.
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Major Bilateral Trade Items
- Major Items Exported to Qatar: Mineral fuels, cereals, organic chemicals, gems and jewelry, iron and steel, copper, etc.
- Major Items Imported from Qatar: LPG, LNG, crude oil, organic and inorganic chemicals, fertilizers, plastic, sulfur, aluminum etc.
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What challenges are associated with India Qatar relations?
- Current Challenges in India Qatar Relations
- Unprecedented Verdict: The death sentence to eight former Indian Navy personnel was deeply shocking for India, might test diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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- For instance, The individuals include highly decorated veterans such as Commander Purnendu Tiwari was honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
- Lack of Transparency: The details of the present case are too opaque to justify such an extreme sentence in a short trial.
What can India do for 8 navy officers standing on the brink of death in Qatar?
- Legal Options and Diplomatic Pressure: In response to the verdict, India is pursuing various legal options and India has the recourse to escalate the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if it believes due process is not being followed.
- Transfer of Sentenced Persons: There is a bilateral agreement for the transfer of sentenced prisoners, enabling Indian nationals sentenced in Qatar to serve their jail terms in India.
- Economic Leverage: India’s significant market of Qatar’s LNG presents a powerful economic lever with India’s continued growth and energy demands, Qatar has a vested interest in maintaining a healthy economic relationship.
- India might request concessions or revisit trade agreements, which could be beneficial for both nations.
- Careful Diplomatic Handling: Navigating challenges and engaging in constructive dialogue underscores the importance of diplomacy in resolving international disputes.
- For example, India is committed to providing consular and legal assistance and taking up the verdict with Qatari authorities with the families of these individuals having filed a mercy plea to the Emir of Qatar.
- Case for Royal Pardon: India enjoys good relations with the royal family and India should also seek an option of royal pardon if such situation arise.
- Others Suggestions:
- Diversification of Trade and Investments: Both countries aim to diversify and expand their economic engagement into other sectors beyond energy.
- Labor Rights and Welfare: Improving the rights and living conditions of the significant Indian expatriate community.
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Other Challenges in India Qatar Relations
- Cultural and Religious Challenges in India Qatar Relations: Ensuring cultural integration, understanding, and addressing any challenges faced by the Indian community in Qatar or by the two countries can be challenging tasks.
- For example, Qatar demanded a public apology with reference to the controversy involving derogatory remarks about the Prophet on a TV show in India.
- Labor and Migrant Workers’ Issues: While Qatar has made progress in labour reform, there have been concerns about the welfare of Indian migrant workers, including issues related to working conditions, wages, and access to legal protection.
- India has often raised concerns about the rights and well-being of its citizens working in Qatar, leading to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
- Geopolitical Dynamics in the Region: India’s relations with other nations in the Middle East, which might not always align with Qatar’s alliances, could potentially strain bilateral ties.
- For instance, in 2017, Saudi Arabia-led bloc’s closure of sea, land and air borders with Qatar complicated India’s relations with other Gulf Arab countries.
- India raised the issue of Indian fugitive Zakir Naik wanted by Indian authorities since 2016 for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches, traveling to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup.
Also read: India’s Diplomacy with West Asia Countries
Conclusion:
In the context of India Qatar relations, these two nations need to resolve this complex and sensitive issue through diplomatic channels, reinforcing their enduring friendship. India’s approach exemplifies its commitment to diplomacy and the value it places on its relationships in the global arena.
| Prelims Question (2023)
Consider the following pairs: Regions often Reason for being in news
1. North Kivu and Ituri : War between Armenia and Azerbaijan
2. Nagorno-Karabakh : Insurgency in Mozambique
3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia : Dispute between Israel and Lebanon
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched ?
(a) Only one
(b) Only Two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (d) |
October 28, 2023
