A court in Qatar has sentenced eight former Indian Navy officers, who were working for a Qatari company, to death for allegedly selling military secrets to Israel. This development has raised concerns and initiated a diplomatic response from India.
The Indian foreign ministry has described the judgment as “shocking” and acknowledged the confidential nature of the proceedings. India has expressed its intention to contest the verdict.
These individuals, including former officers who previously commanded significant Indian warships, were employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company providing training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces. Some of them were reportedly involved in a project related to Italian technology-based midget submarines with stealth features.
The accused have been in detention since August 2022, and New Delhi has been working to secure their release, providing consular access to them.
In response to the death sentences, India stated that they are deeply shocked by the verdict and are awaiting the detailed judgment. They are in touch with the family members and the legal team and are exploring all legal options. India also plans to take up the verdict with Qatari authorities.
Due to the confidential nature of the case’s proceedings, further comments have not been made at this time.
