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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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