India Given Consular Access To Eight Ex-Indian Navy Officers Detained In Qatar: MEA

The eight men have been held for nearly four months and were employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services.

New Delhi: The ministry of external affairs on Thursday said that Indian officials were granted consular access to eight former Indian Navy personnel detained in Qatar on unspecified charges, reported news agency ANI. The eight men have been held for nearly four months and were employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company owned by an ex-Oman Air Force officer that provides training and other services to Qatar's armed forces.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "the update that I have is today we got our second consular access, our Embassy officials were able to meet the detainees and ascertain their well-being and of course, we will continue to extend all possible consular assistance in this case."

The consular access was additionally a chance for the Indian authorities to "figure out what further assistance" the confined men need, Bagchi said. He said that the question about the men's possible charges should be directed to Qatari authorities and declined to answer.

"Let me reiterate what we have been saying, we have, we are seized of the matter, and our Embassy is actively pursuing this case. You mentioned the family members not being allowed visas, we are trying to facilitate that. I understand family members who are in Doha have been able to go there. We are trying to facilitate those who are here to go," said Bagchi.

Since August 30, eight former Indian Navy officers have been detained in Doha.

India responds frequently to the case of former officers of the Indian Navy who were detained in Qatar because the embassy is investigating the matter. Prior to that, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the Indian side maintains constant communication with the Qatari government and that the officers are a priority for the nation.

"This is a very sensitive case. Their interests are foremost in our minds. Ambassadors and senior officials are in constant touch with Qatar's govt. We assure you, they are our priority," the EAM said during his address to the Rajya Sabha.

Some of the men who were detained held high-ranking Indian Navy positions and even commanded warships. One of the detained Indians is Commander (retired) Purnendu Tiwari, who was the managing director of Dahra Global and has been recognised for his work in Qatar.