In a discreet diplomatic maneuver, India has taken the first steps towards resolving the impending crisis concerning eight former Indian Navy personnel who have been sentenced to death by a Qatari court. The issue has been enveloped in secrecy, with both Indian and Qatari authorities maintaining a tight-lipped stance. Despite the verdict from Qatar’s Court of First Instance not yet reaching the Indian side, India has initiated behind-the-scenes efforts to address the situation.
The Silence from Qatar:
Notably, Qatari authorities have chosen to maintain complete silence on the matter, and the case has garnered no mention in Qatar’s media. As of now, a formal copy of the court’s verdict from Qatar is yet to be received by Indian authorities.
India’s Response:
India’s response has been equally measured, with no further comments issued after the external affairs ministry expressed deep shock at the Qatari court’s decision. However, sources with knowledge of the situation indicate that India has embarked on discreet diplomatic and official channels to seek a resolution.
Potential Avenues for Resolution:
While maintaining secrecy, Indian officials are exploring various avenues to address the crisis. These possibilities include:
- Filing an Appeal: Indian authorities are considering filing an appeal against the Qatari court’s verdict.
- 2015 Agreement: India and Qatar signed an agreement in 2015 for the transfer of convicted prisoners, allowing them to serve their sentences in their home country. This option is also under consideration.
- International Court of Justice (ICJ): In a similar vein to the case of former naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was detained by Pakistani authorities in 2016 and subsequently sentenced to death, India is contemplating approaching the ICJ for assistance.
Dahra Engineering & Security Services, the former employer of the eight men, has remained silent on these developments. The company, based in Oman, formerly operated as Dahra Global Technologies & Consultancy Services but was closed down in May this year, subsequently replaced by Advanced Services and Maintenance.
The eight Indian Navy veterans were employed by Dahra Global Technologies & Consultancy Services, which provided training and services to Qatar’s armed forces and security agencies. They were involved in overseeing the introduction of Italian-made midget stealth submarines into the Qatari Navy.
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