Team Modi’s NSA Ajit Doval, EAM S Jaishankar helped resolve Navy veterans’ issue in Qatar

Even though the crisis involving the Indian Navy veterans had been ongoing for around two years, the Narendra Modi government’s actions were fast-tracked after a Qatari court announced the death sentence for them a few months back.

While diplomatic efforts were carried out by the Ministry of External Affairs under External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, backchannel talks were led by the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. In the entire process to rescue the Indian naval veterans working for the Dahra Global firm, the Indian NSA visited Doha 2-3 times to hold talks with their leadership, top sources said.

A major success was achieved last month when Qatari officials commuted the death sentence, but the Indian side continued to work towards getting the sailors back. The Prime Minister had also visited Dubai last year in November and had a direct conversation with Qatari leadership in the matter. Due to relentless efforts and the use of all types of diplomatic efforts, the Indian side could ensure the release of the Indian Navy veterans from the Middle Eastern country.

Qatar has released eight former Indian Navy personnel who were detained in the Gulf country in an alleged case of espionage.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement released early on Monday, welcomed the development and said seven of the eight former Indian Navy personnel working for the Dahra Global Company, a private firm, returned to India from Qatar.

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