In big win for Indian diplomacy, Qatar releases eight Navy veterans jailed over spying charges

Eight Indian Navy veterans, who were in prison in Qatar over spying allegations and even at one point sentenced to death, have been released by the Arab country, the Indian government confirmed on Monday. The release is seen as a big diplomtic victory of India and Prime Minister Modi who supposedly personally intervened to secure their freedom. 

Seven of them have already returned to India.

"Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India. We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals," the statement said.

The arrested personnel were Purnendu Tiwari, Sugunakar Pakala, Amit Nagpal, and Sanjeev Gupta, who are Commanders, and Navtej Singh Gill, Birendra Kumar Verma, and Saurabh Vasisht, who are Captains and Sailor Ragesh Gopakumar.

After returning home, the Navy veterans praised Indian PM Narendra Modi for securing their release.

Another released veteran told the Indian news channel: "We waited almost for 18 months to be back in India. We are extremely grateful to the PM. It wouldn't have been possible without his personal intervention and his equation with Qatar."

All eight have been in jail since August last year and were handed death sentences on October 26, after a brief trial in March. Bail was denied numerous times during their incarceration and trial.

The eight were working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services when they were arrested.