Indian Navy Veterans Laud PM Modi’s Efforts Following Release from Kuwait
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th Feb. Seven of the eight Indian navy veterans, who were previously sentenced to death in Kuwait on alleged espionage charges, expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their release.
Relieved and overjoyed to return home, the released veterans arrived at Delhi airport early Monday morning, chanting ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’. Speaking to news agency ANI, they hailed PM Modi’s personal intervention in raising their case with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which led to their release.
Expressing their heartfelt appreciation, one of the veterans emphasized that PM Modi’s unwavering efforts were instrumental in securing their freedom. Another former naval officer echoed the sentiment, acknowledging that without PM Modi’s intervention, they would not have been able to walk free.
Further lauding the government’s intervention, the released navy personnel highlighted the joint efforts of PM Modi and the Emir of Qatar in facilitating their return. They expressed immense gratitude for the personal involvement of both leaders, which ultimately led to their release.
Earlier on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the return of seven out of the eight navy veterans to India. The Union government issued an official statement welcoming their release, expressing appreciation for the Amir of Qatar’s decision to enable their homecoming.
The veterans had been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022, accused of spying on a submarine program, with their sentence later commuted to jail terms following diplomatic interventions.
Describing the development, the MEA stated that the detailed judgment awaited, and assured continued support to the released personnel and their families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Qatar’s Emir further underscored the commitment to bilateral relations and the welfare of Indian nationals abroad.
The MEA’s legal team is in possession of the court order detailing the commutation of sentences, paving the way for the veterans’ return. The ministry reiterated its commitment to provide consular and legal assistance, while highlighting the significance of PM Modi’s diplomatic engagements in securing their release.
