Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “Homeward bound: On the release of the eight former Indian Navy personnel from Qatar” which was published in the Hindu. Recently, Qatar has released eight former Indian Navy personnel who were sentenced to death on undisclosed charges, leading to a visit to the country by the Indian Prime Minister.

Ex Indian Navy Personnel Released From Qatar After Death Sentence 

• A Matter of Relief: The release of all eight former Indian navy personnel from Qatar, just about three months after they were ordered a shocking death sentence, is a matter of great relief. 
• Less Disclosed Information: The eight men working for the Qatar-based Dahra technologies were arrested in 2022, the details of their case have been sparse. 
• Denial to Families: Their families were denied to provide reports that the men had been accused of espionage, possibly for a third country, namely Israel, the charges must have been serious enough to have invoked the death penalty. 
• On Penalty: In December, an appeals court commuted the death penalty to imprisonment terms, but upheld the conviction. 
• Success of Government Approach: The success of their return seems attributable to the Indian followed strategies: 
  • To pursue the case in court.
  • Showing respect to the Qatari legal system, while providing the accused with full legal support and counsel.
  • Avoid all escalatory rhetoric and public sparring.
  • To take the case to the highest levels, with the Indian Prime Minister discussing it with the Qatari Amir. 

Location of Qatar

India-Qatar Relations: Significance Of Qatar to India

• Historical Ties: For Qatar, ties with India are historic and dependable, consistent even when Qatar was boycotted by its Gulf neighbors some years ago. 
• An Important Interlocutor: For India, Qatar is an important West Asian power, with increased heft during the Israel-Gaza conflict as an important interlocutor between the West and Hamas. 
• Gas Resource: Qatar supplies India with a third of its natural gas import needs. 
• Remittance: More than 8,00,000 Indians provide important services to Qatar and bring in critical remittance earnings for India. 

Conclusion

India successfully proved its quiet diplomacy in this Qatar case, at a time of brinkmanship and geopolitical conflict.

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