Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “Mystery trial: On the case of the former Indian Navy personnel in Qatar” which was published in the Hindu. Recently, the Qatar Court announced the death sentence for eight Indian Navy personnel who had been arrested in August last year on charges of spying on a submarine program on behalf of Israel. The verdict has been termed ‘deeply’ shocking by the  government.

India Qatar Relations – Sharing Ties

• Defense: Both share strategic and defense cooperation.
  • Za’ir-Al-Bahr is a naval exercise between the Indian and Qatar Navy.
• Energy: India sources 40% of its LNG needs from Qatar. 
• Trade: India is Qatar’s third biggest source of imports, particularly raw materials for construction and fresh food items. Migrants: Approximately 7 lakh Indian migrants are an integral part of Qatar’s institutions, industry and workforce. 

Former Indian Navy Personnel Sentenced to Death by a Court in Qatar – Case History

• Secret Trial: The trial was veiled in secrecy, with very little information on the charges and evidence. 
• Judgment not shared with India: Despite pleas from their families and Indian diplomats in Doha, Qatar has not explained why it has not provided details of the case. Even the judgment has yet to be shared with New Delhi. 
• Unaccepted Accuse: Leaked reports suggest that the men have been accused of sharing secret information related to the stealth submarine programme they worked on, with a third country, a charge their families have denied. 
• No Outcome: Visits by Indian officials to Qatar to plead for leniency and transparency has remained futile.

The Path Ahead

• Pursue Legal Appeals in the Case: The government must ensure that they are given the best possible support in an appeal.
• Resolve Case Diplomatically: Apart from the legal appeals process and diplomatic legwork, channels to the Qatari leadership should be activated at the highest levels. 
• Request for Pardon: Political intervention at the Prime Minister’s level to request a pardon.
• Build an International Campaign to Appeal for Clemency: A case must be made for clemency and commuting the sentences to jail terms that could even be served out in India if the men are indeed found guilty in the appeals process. 
• A Clear Message: India supported Qatar despite the Gulf blockade against Qatar in 2017, which should have counted for some goodwill towards India. India must make this clear to Qatar that such a step can become a rift in ties and will be detrimental to both countries.

 Also read: List of Indian Ambassadors to Other Countries for General Awareness

Conclusion:

It’s high time for the Indian Government to demonstrate that the lives of the men are indeed a priority for their country and for a government that claims a policy of “no Indian left behind”.