Looking forward, Jaishankar expressed optimism for further enhancing India-Qatar relations and continuing a constructive dialogue on areas of mutual interest…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, in Doha and the two held talks on strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors and addressing key regional challenges.
During his day-long official visit, Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings and wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to The Amir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Al Thani.
He underscored the robust nature of the India-Qatar relationship, emphasizing cooperation in political, trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
“We reviewed our bilateral relationship focusing on political, trade, investment, energy, technology, culture and people to people ties,” said Jaishankar in a post on X.
The discussions also delved into regional and global issues of mutual concern. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for the insights shared by Prime Minister Al Thani on the Gaza situation, reflecting the depth of dialogue between the two nations on pressing international matters.
“Exchanged views on regional and global issues. Appreciate his sharing insights on the Gaza situation,” Jaishankar’s post also said.
Looking forward, Jaishankar expressed optimism for further enhancing India-Qatar relations and continuing a constructive dialogue on areas of mutual interest.
“Look forward to the further enhancement of India-Qatar relations and continued dialogue on issues of mutual interest,” he added.
“India and Qatar share historic and friendly relations marked by regular exchange of high-level visits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Qatar on 14-15 February 2024 and held discussions with Qatar’s Amir H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,” the MEA said in a release earlier.
Jaishankar’s visit to the Gulf nation will enable both sides to review various aspects of bilateral relations including political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural, and people-to-people as well as the regional and international issues of mutual interest. (ANI)
2024 Qatar Economic Forum will gather more than 1000 global leaders, heads of state and international CEOs… writes Kaliph Anaz. Discussions at QEF will revolve around the topics like Geopolitics, Globalization, & Trade; the Energy Transition; Technology Innovation; Business & Investment Outlook and Sports & Entertainment
The oil rich Arab state of Qatar is gearing up to host the fourth edition of Qatar Economic Forum. The event will gather more than 1000 global leaders, heads of state and international CEOs. This year’s forum, under the theme ‘A World Remade: Navigating the Year of Uncertainty’, will provide a global platform for a comprehensive dialogue on the issues driving global boardroom conversations and financial markets.
The annual “Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg” (QEF), held in collaboration with Media City Qatar, will take place from May 14-16. As the world continues to be shaped by major disruptions in technology, trade and politics, the events of 2024 have the potential to produce long-term consequences for the global economy. Discussions at QEF will revolve around the topics like Geopolitics, Globalization, & Trade; the Energy Transition; Technology Innovation; Business & Investment Outlook and Sports & Entertainment.
Current speakers include H.E. Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, President, Oman Investment Authority; Sheikha Hanadi N. Al-Thani, Chairperson, INJAZ Al Arab; Gerry Cardinale, Founder, Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer, RedBird Capital Partners; Jim Coulter, Founding Partner, Executive Chairman & Director, TPG Inc.; Brandon Gardner, Partner, Co-Founder & President, Raine; Behdad Eghbali, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Clearlake Capital Group, Bruce Flatt, CEO, Brookfield; Kenneth C. Griffin, Founder, CEO & Co-Chief Investment Officer, Citadel; Jin Liqun, President & Chair of the Board of Directors, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Jenny Johnson, President & CEO, Franklin Templeton; Jeffrey Katzenberg, Founding Partner, WndrCo; Cindy Lim, CEO, Infrastructure, Keppel Limited; General David H. Petraeus (US Army, Ret.), Partner, Chairman of the Global Institute, KKR.; Joey Wat, CEO, Yum China; Dina Powell McCormick, Vice Chairman & President of Global Client Services & Partner, BDT & MSD, Lei Zhang, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Hillhouse Investments, Todd L. Boehly, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO, Eldridge Industries, Yimei Li, CEO, ChinaAMC with more to follow.
“Bloomberg is excited to be powering the fourth iteration of QEF, which has quickly become a highlight of the global investment calendar,” said Karen Saltser, CEO of Bloomberg Media. “With an exciting agenda developed by Bloomberg’s world class editorial team, we look forward to hosting important discussions with global leaders in business and government.”
H.E. Sheikh Ali bin Abdulla bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of Qatar Economic Forum said: “Through the Qatar Economic Forum, we have established a dynamic center for global business leaders to convene, connect, and catalyze partnerships. The forum has become the nexus where visionary leaders converge to shape the future”.
He added, “We are enthusiastic about the collaborative spirit that defines this platform, where ideas flourish, and alliances are forged, propelling us towards a future of shared success and prosperity”.
The current geopolitical landscape casts a shadow over the global economy, with conflicts in Ukraine, genocidal raids in Gaza, and China’s looming threat over Taiwan sending shock waves. As nearly half of the world’s population prepares to elect their leaders, economic uncertainties abound. While China grapples with maintaining economic growth and Europe teeters on the brink of recession, the resurgence of the Trump campaign adds another layer of volatility to the global ecosystem.
Amidst these headline-grabbing crises, a significant shift in the global economic order is underway. In a world reminiscent of 19th-century resource battles, there’s a growing emphasis on assertive economic statecraft and a quest for resilient and geopolitically neutral trade partnerships. This shift is elevating the economic nexus between the Gulf, India, and Southeast Asia to newfound prominence, poised to drive global growth and optimism into the next decade.
In the Gulf region, countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are seizing this opportunity. Flush with oil and gas revenue from the energy crisis, the region’s sovereign wealth funds are vying to fill the $3 trillion liquidity gap left by Wall Street’s retreat. With global supply lines being rerouted and the epicentre of growth shifting eastward, the Gulf states are accelerating reforms and embracing openness to engage with the world on their own terms.
Against this backdrop, the fourth Qatar Economic Forum emerges as a beacon, spotlighting the burgeoning south-to-south economy and the fresh growth opportunities it offers to the global business community. By amplifying established viewpoints and emerging voices from diverse corners of the globe, the Forum aims to uncover the latest economic trends shaping a new global growth narrative.
Will Norway host Taliban for talks as West looks to re-engage with Afghanistan?.(photo:IN)
Qatar stands among the few countries that have been key hosts of the most significant international meetings on Afghanistan since 2020…reports Asian Lite News
Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to host international meetings on Afghanistan issues, further affirming its support for the Afghan people, according to Khaama Press.
In its recent statement, Juhara Abdulaziz Al-Suwaidi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Qatar to Geneva, underscored the importance of continuing to host meetings on Afghanistan at the fifty-fifth session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Notably, Qatar stands among the few countries that have been key hosts of the most significant international meetings on Afghanistan since 2020, contributing to notable developments in the country.
The recent Doha meeting and the signing of the Doha Agreement were pivotal events, with 18 months of negotiations hosted by Qatar in its capital city, as reported by Khaama Press, reported Khaama Press.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, in its statement, highlighted issues of communication, increased coordination within the framework of human rights promotion, and ensuring a decent life for the Afghan people as part of its policy to support Afghanistan.
The statement by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry also emphasised the continued humanitarian aid committed to supporting the Afghan people and hosting meetings on the country’s issues.
Qatar has played a crucial role in facilitating dialogues and negotiations aimed at resolving the Afghan conflict, fostering a platform for discussions and agreements critical for Afghanistan’s stability, Khaama Press reported.
Amidst dire humanitarian crises and ongoing violations of human rights and women’s rights in Afghanistan, Qatar’s sustained efforts to convene international gatherings highlight a commitment to address the country’s challenges and support people.
EU provides 21 million euro aid
The World Food Programme announced that the European Union has provided a 21 million euro contribution to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, according to Khaama Press.
The office declared on Friday that around 300,000 people in Afghanistan are expected to benefit from the fund.
The primary aim of this assistance is to improve food security and nutrition in Afghanistan, as the European Union stated.
Rafaela Iodice, the EU official in Afghanistan, said that the European Union will continue its assistance to the people of Afghanistan, as reported by Khaama Press.
This comes at a time when the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, stated that the organisation has only been able to secure three per cent of the required budget to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
The recent earthquakes in the country and the expulsion of migrants from neighbouring countries are raising the need for aid in Afghanistan.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with millions of people facing extreme poverty, displacement, and food insecurity, Khaama Press reported.
Moreover, years of conflict, political instability, and the Taliban’s return to power have exacerbated these challenges.
Reportedly, many families in the country lack access to necessities such as clean water, sanitation facilities and healthcare.
The ongoing violence and insecurity have also hindered humanitarian aid delivery, which has further worsened the condition of vulnerable people in Afghanistan.
Additionally, there is a severe shortage of shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees returning to Afghanistan, according to Khaama Press.
Furthermore, the Taliban’s imposition of strict restrictions on women’s rights has had a devastating impact on their access to education and employment opportunities.
Afghan women and girls have been facing significant barriers to attending school or pursuing careers, denying them essential pathways to empowerment and economic independence.
Moreover, the international community should prioritize the protection and support of Afghan women’s rights as part of broader humanitarian efforts in the country, Khama Press reported. (ANI)
The meeting was also attended by the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday thanked the Amir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for supporting the release of Indian navy veterans arrested in Doha in an alleged espionage case and also extended an invitation to pay an official visit to India.
“Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Amir for his support for the welfare of the Indian community and in this regard expressed his deep appreciation for the release of eight Indian nationals of Al Dahra company. We are extremely gratified to see them back in India. PM invited His Highness the Amir to pay a visit to India,” Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said in a briefing on PM’s visit to Qatar.
Describing details of PM Modi’s visit to Qatar, Kwatra said that PM Modi and Amir of Qatar discussed a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation, energy partnership, issues of regional security, cultural affinity, and people-to-people ties.
“There were three key and significant elements of Prime Minister’s program. The first was a ceremonial welcome. PM was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Amiri Diwan where His Highness Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received him…The two leaders thereafter held detailed discussions,” he said.
“The topics of discussion included a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation including trade partnership, investment cooperation, energy partnership, issues engaged in regional security, cultural affinity, and people-to-people ties, he added.
Additionally, both leaders also affirmed strategic investments and strategic partnerships in the field of energy and technology and discussed issues of regional and international importance.
Kwatra said, “When the two leaders spoke, they spoke about the need for strategic investments and strategic partnership in the field of energy and technology and to proceed beyond the biocellar relationship in this field. They also discussed issues of regional and international importance.”
He added, “Prime Minister’s visit to Qatar is focused on one, consolidating the wide-ranging partnership that India and Qatar have across different fields of economic cooperation. Two, also through the visit this time, build on the gains of 2016 visit, build on the gains achieved through subsequent high-level political exchanges between the two countries and lay a foundation for what the two countries, driven by the strong leadership of The Amir and the PM of India can achieve in months and years ahead, in a manner that not only expands the areas of bilateral cooperation but also increases convergences on regional issues.”
Additionally, PM Modi also held a bilateral meeting with the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The meeting was also attended by the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
PM Modi arrived in Qatar’s capital Doha on Wednesday night after inaugurating the first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi and a series of bilateral meetings with prominent leaders.
Just after he arrived in Doha, PM Modi met with his counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the duo discussed ways to bolster ties between New Delhi and Doha.
PM Modi who arrived in Qatar on Wednesday night received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora outside his hotel in Qatar. People carrying the Indian Tricolour and gifts for PM Modi chanted “Modi Modi” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” PM Modi shook hands with people who had gathered outside his hotel in Doha to welcome him. Some of the people even presented him with gifts like books. People also took pictures of PM Modi as he interacted with them.
Notably, this visit came on heels of a major diplomatic triumph for India, in which eight veterans of the Indian Navy who were sentenced to death in Qatar on espionage charges, were released by Doha on Monday.
Seven out of the eight veterans have returned to India. The eighth personnel has also been released and his return is being worked out, the MEA said. (ANI)
On his arrival,. Modi was received by Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the airport…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held fruitful talks with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani here on bilateral cooperation in sectors like trade & investment, energy, and finance, the External Affairs Ministry said on February 15.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Doha on Wednesday night on an official visit to Qatar. This is the Prime Minister’s second visit to Qatar, he first visited Qatar in June 2016.
“PM @narendramodi held a fruitful meeting with HH @MBA_AlThani_, PM & FM of Qatar in Doha. Discussions covered expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade & investment, energy, finance among others,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.’
On his arrival,. Modi was received by Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the airport.
During his two-day visit, Prime Minister Modi attended a dinner hosted in his honour by Qatar’s Prime Minister llency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. On Thursday, the Prime Minister will meet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and hold talks on bilateral as well as regional and global issues, the ministry said in a press release.
After his arrival in Doha, Modi posted that he was looking forward to a fruitful visit which will deepen bilateral ties. Modi reached Doha after a whirlwind two-day trip to the UAE, where he addressed a well-attended Indian diaspora event, the prestigious World Governments Summit, and also inaugurated UAE’s first Hindu stone temple among other engagements.
India’s announcement on Modi’s visit to the Qatari capital came on Monday, hours after seven out of eight jailed former Indian Navy personnel returned home, nearly three-and-half months after a Qatari court handed them a death sentence that was subsequently commuted to jail terms ranging from three to 25 years. Qatar released all the eight Indians.
The former Indian Navy personnel apparently faced charges of espionage, but neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi made the charges against them public.
On his arrival, he was received by Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and proceeded to meet his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian diaspora in Qatar and said that he is “grateful” to the community as he arrived in Doha after concluding a whirlwind two-day trip to the UAE.He arrived here late on WednesdayAfter June 2016, this is Modi’s second visit to the country, home to roughly 8,40,000 Indians.”An exceptional welcome in Doha! Grateful to the Indian diaspora,” the PM posted on X along with pictures of him being greeted by Indian community members.He said in an earlier statement that the presence of the strong Indian community in Doha is “a testament to our strong people-to-people ties”.
On his arrival, he was received by Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and proceeded to meet his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.The two leaders discussed ways to boost friendship between the two countries.”Had a wonderful meeting with PM @MBA_AlThani. Our discussions revolved around ways to boost India-Qatar friendship,” Modi wrote on X.The External Affairs Ministry said that the PM held “a fruitful meeting” with the Qatari PM with their discussions covering expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade & investment, energy, and finance among others.
On Thursday, PM Modi is expected to meet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and hold talks on bilateral as well as regional and global issues.Bilateral trade between India and Qatar currently stands at roughly $20 billion, and Qatar is also a significant investor in India across a whole range of economies.The visit is timely as it comes just after the release of eight ex-Indian Navy personnel who were sentenced to death on espionage charges by Qatar last year.They were employees of the Doha-based company Dahra Global and were taken into custody in August 2022.They were identified as Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Rajesh.The appellate court in Qatar in December last year commuted their death sentence to imprisonment ranging between three years and 25 years.
For the third consecutive year in a row, Qatar Tourism won the ‘Best Design and Decoration’ award for its booth…reports Asian Lite News
Qatar Tourism led a delegation of 13 esteemed partners from the hospitality sector at OTM Mumbai 2024, one of Asia’s leading Travel Trade Shows. The three-day event, which ran from February 8 – 10 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, provided a platform for Qatar Tourism to present its latest offerings to the Indian market and engage with over 35,000 industry professionals.
For the third consecutive year in a row, Qatar Tourism won the ‘Best Design and Decoration’ award for its booth. This year, the double-decker pavilion was its largest edition yet, covering an expansive area of 200 sqm and featuring unique activations. An immersive augmented reality experience allowed visitors to closely view and interact with Qatar’s iconic animals on an LED display, providing an opportunity to capture the moment.
The travel and trade show provided Qatar Tourism with the opportunity to engage with core markets identified in the 2030 strategy. In 2023, Qatar welcomed approximately 420,000 visitors from India, comprising 10% of the total international arrivals for that year, making it the second-highest source market after Saudi Arabia.
This year’s booth featured industry partners included Qatar Airways, Discover Qatar, Qatar Calendar, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, Rixos Qetaifan Island North Doha, The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha, Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel ,Q Moments as the Destination Management Company (DMC), Tawfeeq Holidays, Regency Travel & Tours and Ali Bin Ali Travel.
Out of the total eight former Indian Navy officers imprisoned in Qatar, seven have returned to India, said MEA in its statement. Arrangements are being made to bring the last released veteran home…reports Asian Lite News
India on Monday has welcomed the decision of the Qatar court to release the eight former Indian Army personnel, who were previously sentenced to death, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement.
The Qatar court on Monday released all eight former Indian Navy personnel in its custody, out of which seven have returned to India, said a statement by the MEA.
The MEA said in a statement, “The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India. We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals.”
Earlier, the capital punishment for the jailed Indian Navy veterans was commuted to an extended prison term after diplomatic talks between Qatar and India.
Out of the total eight former Indian Navy officers imprisoned in Qatar, seven have returned to India, said MEA in its statement. Arrangements are being made to bring the last released veteran home.
The eight Indian nationals, formerly Indian Navy personnel, were imprisoned in Qatar in October 2022 after being accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme. The Indian nationals were deemed guilty of espionage by the Qatari court, and were sentenced to death on charges not yet made public.
The MEA expressed that the ruling of the court was “deeply shocking”, and said that they would explore all legal options to get the charges against the former Indian Navy personnel dropped.
The Dahra Global case saw a major development last year when the court in Qatar commuted the death sentence of the Indian nationals after intervention by the Indian government. The sentence was reduced to jail terms.
The centre was inaugurated on 08 February 2024 by Patrick Poinsot, First counsellor at the French embassy in Qatar….reports Asian Lite News
VFS Global is providing closer access to France visa services for residents of Qatar with its newly established France Visa Application Centre in Doha.
The centre was inaugurated on 08 February 2024 by Patrick Poinsot, First counsellor at the French embassy in Qatar.
France visa applicants can now visit this centre located in Level 2, Al Nuaimi Building, Oqba Ibn Nafie Street, Airport Road, Doha, Qatar, to submit their applications for short and long stay visas. Prior appointments are mandatory and can be booked on www.vfsglobal.com.
Mr. Patrick Poinsot, First counselor at the French embassy in Qatar said, “We care about the quality of the welcome of our Qatari friends and residents of Qatar who want to go to France. We are very pleased to see that, each year, more and more people are travelling to France, especially for touristic reasons and, with our new partner VFS Global, we will endeavor to process their visa applications in the best possible and efficient way”
Mr. Atul Marwah, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Egypt, VFS Global said, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with the Embassy of France in Qatar. VFS Global has a long-standing association with France, making people’s cross border mobility simple and convenient through visa services in 29 countries across the globe since 2004. The addition of Doha to this expansive network is indeed a proud feather in our cap. We look forward to welcoming travellers from Qatar at our new centre.”
More comfort for visa applicants
Focused on providing exceptional customer service, ensuring convenient and seamless experiences, the premises feature a spacious waiting area, state-of-the-art biometric facilities, and a dedicated space to promote France as a destination, providing applicants with key information ahead of their travels.
Travellers visiting this centre can also choose from a range of our optional services, such as courier return service to receive processed passports at home, and form filling assistance from trained professionals, among others.
Those looking for a more personalised service can also opt for the Premium Lounge to receive end-to-end assistance throughout the process in a plush ambience.
The eight Indian nationals have been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme…reports Asian Lite News
The Indian ambassador to Qatar and the embassy officials met with the eight detained veteran navy officials and a legal team is looking into the appeal aspect as 60 days have been provided to file an appeal, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
“Our ambassador, along with our embassy officials, met the eight detained. As we had conveyed to you last time, the legal team is looking into the appeal aspect. There is a period of 60 days within which they have to file this appeal,” MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“On December 28, the court of appeal had given their verdict. Now, the matter is to go to the court of secession, which will be decided by the legal team…We still have some time. The consular access we had, our ambassador went and met and looked after their well-being,” he said while addressing a press briefing about the consular access with ex-navy personnel.
The eight Indian nationals have been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme. The retired naval personnel were sentenced to death by a Qatar court on charges that have not yet been made public officially.
Earlier, the Qatari Court commuted the death penalty sentence of eight ex-Indian naval officers it had arrested last year in the Dahra Global case, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press statement. The sentence has now been reduced to jail terms.
Describing the judgement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced.
“The MEA also said that the detailed judgement in the case is awaited and are in close touch with the legal team in Qatar.
MEA added, “The detailed judgement is awaited. We are in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps. Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in the Court of Appeal today, along with the family members. We have stood by them since the beginning of the matter and we will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities.”
Earlier, the newly appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaiswal, emphasised the temporal significance of this period, stating, “As far as the issue is concerned, there is a time of 60 days when this issue can be appealed in the Court of Cassation, which is the highest court in Qatar.”
The MEA’s legal team possesses the confidential court order detailing the commutation of the death sentences to imprisonment terms, a move revealed in a press release following the court of appeal’s judgement on December 28.
“We issued a press release in which we informed you that the death sentence, which was originally a death penalty, has been changed to imprisonment sentences. Now our legal team has that court order, and I can confirm that all of them have received sentences of different durations, and the death penalty has been abolished,” Jaiswal said.
Moreover, the Court of First Instance of Qatar passed the judgement against them, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The MEA spokesperson also highlighted the recent meeting that took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad and said that they have had a good conversation on the overall bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai and discussed bilateral partnership and the “well-being of the Indian community” living in Qatar.
After a Qatar court commuted the death sentence of eight Indian ex-Navy personnel, foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev hailed India’s diplomacy and said that the new verdict by the Qatari court is a big relief for the arrested personnel and their families.
“No doubt, you see diplomacy has also worked. It shows Prime Minister Modi met the mayor of Qatar on the sidelines of the CoP28 which was being held in Dubai recently. So this would have been certainly brought up by the PM with the mayor of Qatar,” he said.
He added, “The judgment by the Qatari court is indeed a huge, huge relief for the families in India. At the same time, there is still some distance ahead because what has happened, is whether the court has commuted or instead of the death sentence has handed some other judgment, which we do at least. As of now, the question will be what is the judgment that the court has now announced?.” (ANI)
