New Delhi - In a significant development, the Court of Appeal of Qatar announced on Thursday that the death sentences of eight Indian Navy veterans have been commuted to unspecified prison terms. The Indian government has expressed relief at the news and affirmed its commitment to providing legal and consular assistance to the accused.

The verdict follows the fourth hearing of the appeal against the death sentences, which were initially handed down by a lower court on October 26. India had strongly objected to the severe punishment, describing it as shocking. The nature of the charges against the veterans has not been officially disclosed, but it is believed that they were accused of passing sensitive information about a Qatari submarine project to Israel.

The Indian government has been actively involved in the case, and it plans to continue engaging with Qatari authorities regarding the matter. It may also explore the possibility of utilizing the 2015 agreement between India and Qatar for the transfer of sentenced persons. Under this agreement, the veterans could potentially be repatriated to their home country to serve the remainder of their prison terms.

While India hopes for an outright acquittal of the accused, the commutation of their sentences marks a positive step forward. The decision also holds potential implications for bilateral relations, as it demonstrates trust and cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously met Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the COP28 summit in Dubai, where discussions on the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar took place. However, it is yet to be confirmed whether PM Modi specifically raised the issue of the navy veterans during the meeting.

Reacting to the development, the Indian government stated that it is awaiting the detailed judgment and remains in close contact with the legal team and the families of the veterans. The Indian Ambassador to Qatar, Vipul, along with other officials, attended the Court of Appeal proceedings, showcasing the government's steadfast support for the accused.

Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the case, both governments have maintained a level of secrecy since the detention of the navy veterans in August 2022. While the circumstances of their confinement were challenging, Qatar did grant consular access on multiple occasions.

As the next steps in the legal process are being considered, the Indian government reiterated its commitment to extending consular and legal aid to the veterans. Further updates will be provided once the detailed judgment becomes available.

The commutation of the death sentences brings hope for the eight former navy personnel, while also emphasizing the importance of continued diplomacy and dialogue between India and Qatar on matters of mutual interest.

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