New Delhi: Eight Indian Navy veterans, who were released by Qatar after being detained for alleged spying, expressed their gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for their safe return. Seven of the veterans arrived in India and were seen chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ as they walked out of the Delhi airport.

The veterans credited Prime Minister Modi’s personal intervention for their release, stating that it would not have been possible without his efforts. They also acknowledged the continuous efforts of the Government of India in securing their return.

After waiting for 18 months to come back to India, the veterans expressed their extreme gratitude towards the Prime Minister and the Government of India for their efforts and support. The Indian government announced the release of the veterans today, expressing thanks to the Amir of Qatar for facilitating their homecoming.

The veterans were not informed in advance about their release and were taken away by embassy officials shortly after their release. They boarded a flight and returned to India in the early hours of the morning.

The group of Navy veterans, including Captains and Commanders, had been arrested in August 2022 while working for a private firm in Qatar. Their work involved assisting with the introduction of Italian U212 stealth submarines into the Qatari Emiri Naval Force. They were initially sentenced to death by a Qatari court, a verdict that deeply shocked India. However, their capital punishment was commuted in December, following national and international efforts to secure their release.

The safe return of the Navy veterans marks the end of a long and challenging ordeal, and their gratitude towards the Indian leadership and government reflects the significance of diplomatic efforts in securing their release.