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13th February 2024 (8 Topics)

Qatar Frees Indian Navy Veterans

Context

Indian navy veterans arrested on the espionage charges and given death sentence by the Qatari courts had been freed.

Background

  • The Arrest and Charges: The eight former officers of the Indian Navy were detained in Qatar since October 2022. They were accused of espionage related to a submarine program for Israel. The Qatari court initially handed down death sentences.
  • Diplomatic Interventions: The Indian government left no stone unturned in advocating for their release. Utilizing all available diplomatic channels, New Delhi worked tirelessly to secure their freedom.
  • The Qatari Emir’s Decision: The Amir of the State of Qatar, in a momentous decision, commuted the death penalties to jail terms. This compassionate act paved the way for the return of these eight nationals to India. Their release is a testament to the power of diplomacy, compassion, and human rights.

India Qatar Relations

  • Trade and investment
  • India’s bilateral trade with Qatar reached US$ 18.77 billion in 2022-23.
  • Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India, accounting for over 48% of India’s global LNG imports.
  • The India-Qatar Start-up Bridge initiative aims to link the start-up ecosystems of both countries.
  • India exports various goods to Qatar, including cereals, copper items, iron and steel products, vegetables, plastics, construction materials, textiles, and garments.
  • Qatar primarily exports liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), chemicals, petrochemicals, plastics, and aluminium articles to India.
  • Defence cooperation
  • India extends training programs in its defense institutions to partner nations, including Qatar.
  • Participation in the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) strengthens bilateral ties.
  • Regular naval and coast guard interactions underscore cooperation between the two nations.
  • Za'ir Al Bahr (Roar of the Sea) naval exercises were conducted between Indian Navy and Qatar Emiri Naval Forces.
  • Geopolitical dynamics: India’s ties with other Middle Eastern nations don’t always align with Qatar’s alliances.

What is the strategic importance of Qatar for India?

  • Qatar has an outsize influence in the Islamic world. It was the key mediator between US and Taliban which culminated into Doha Agreement.
  • The widely popular news channel Al Jazeera act as a credible source of news and a point of friction as seen during Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Qatar.
  • Indian Diaspora
    • Over 800,000 Indian nationals reside in Qatar, forming the largest expatriate community.
    • During the second wave of COVID-19, Qatar sent COVID medical relief material to India.

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