'PM Wishes On FIFA WC, But...': Kharge Slams Modi For Not Intervening To Save Navy Veterans On Death Row In Qatar

The eight former Navy officials were working for a private firm and were detained in Doha in October last year.

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday for failing to intervene to save the lives of eight Navy veterans in Qatar who were facing the death penalty. He mentioned that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Qatar and that Indians make up the largest expatriate community in Qatar.

"Eight veterans of the Indian Navy, kept in solitary confinement in Qatar since August 2022, face death sentence. MEA says that 'the charges have not been shared so far', with India," he said on Twitter.

"Modi Government's meek surrender has exposed their tall claims of making India a 'Vishwaguru'," he said.

"Narendra Mod ji calls Qatari counterpart to extend wishes on FIFA World Cup, but can't intervene to save the precious lives of our bravehearts. Nationalism ?" the Congress chief said.

MEA On Indian Nationals Detained

India reiterated on April 20 that it is working to ensure the release and repatriation of eight former Indian citizens held in Qatar, stating that the case is a "very high priority" for New Delhi. Answering inquiries during the weekly media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the first hearing of the case was on March 29, and the following hearing is coming on May 3.

He went on to say that the charges have not yet been disclosed, but the Indian embassy has been facilitating frequent family visits.

"As I have been mentioning, the first hearing was on March 29, and the next hearing is coming on May 3. As far as I am aware, the charges have not been shared or conveyed so far. Our Embassy has been facilitating regular visits of the family members," Bagchi said during the Thursday presser. 

The MEA spokesperson added, "Let me reiterate, we attach very high priority to the case and, we are working to ensure the release and repatriation of our nationals."

The eight former Navy officials were working for a private firm and were detained in Doha in October last year.

Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson for the MEA, also stated last week that India is providing eight former Indian Navy personnel detained in Qatar with consular and legal assistance as part of the ongoing legal process.

"This is now in the legal process. Let me emphasise that we are making all efforts to assist these Indians who were detained and we are also extending consular assistance as well as legal assistance as part of the legal process that is underway," Bagchi said. 

"We are also engaged with the Qatari authorities. Our embassy in Doha continues to remain in touch with the families. The next day of the hearing is in early May. We are trying to see what can be done before that in connection with that hearing," he added. 

He stated that the charges against them have not been "unsealed" in response to another question. "It's not yet public. As the legal process unfolds perhaps there will be...," Bagchi said.

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.