• UGI USER
  • Oct 28, 2023
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India – Qatar

Death sentence of 7 navy personal becomes a diplomatic challenge.

Relevance

  • GS Paper 2 Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
  • Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
  • Important International institutions, agencies, and Flora- their structure, mandate.
  • Tags: #India #qatar #deathsentence #dipomacy #currentaffairs #upsc

Why in the News?

The unprecedented nature of the death sentences given to eight retired Indian naval personnel in Qatar presents a substantial diplomatic challenge for India. Unlike previous instances involving Indian nationals facing execution abroad, these individuals were convicted on espionage charges, setting a new diplomatic precedent for the nation.

Delicate Diplomatic Balancing Act

Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, holds the responsibility for the welfare of Indians abroad and faces a complex challenge in handling this case. While acknowledging the sensitivity and confidentiality of the situation, the government must tread carefully in its statements and actions to ensure the safe return of the convicted personnel.

Employment Details of Indian Navy Officers in Qatar

  • Indian Navy Officers were employed at Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company owned by a former Oman Air Force officer.
  • This company delivered training and various services to Qatar’s armed forces and security agencies.
  • Commander Purnendu Tiwari (retired), who served as the Managing Director of the firm, was honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2019 for his contributions in advancing the bilateral relationship between India and Qatar.

Chronology of Events: Case Involving Indian Navy Officers in Qatar

  • August 2022: Former Indian naval officers were detained by Qatari authorities on unspecified charges.
  • Months later, the Qatari authorities disclosed that the eight former naval officers were allegedly involved in espionage, spying on Qatar’s confidential submarine program for Israel.
  • September 2022: The jailed Indian officers filed their first bail plea, which was subsequently rejected. They were detained in solitary confinement.
  • March 2023: The trial for the Indian nationals commenced in late March.
  • June 2023: A second trial was conducted for the accused individuals.
  • October 2023: India’s ambassador to Qatar received permission for consular access and met with the incarcerated individuals on October 1.
  • 26 October, 2023: A local court in Qatar sentenced the eight Indian Navy personnel to the death penalty.

India’s Response and Engagement with Qatar

  • The Indian government’s handling of the situation, as assured by Jaishankar in Parliament, requires strategic and careful engagement with Qatar.
  • Despite the limitations in interfering with another country’s judicial process, diplomatic efforts are crucial to secure a positive resolution for the individuals facing the death penalty.

Judicial Verdict, Espionage Allegations, and Bilateral Relations

  • The nature of the sentences and the espionage accusations add complexity to India-Qatar relations, requiring a nuanced approach.
  • Despite shared ties in the energy sector, differing views on regional matters, especially in West Asia, complicate the bilateral relationship, urging India to maneuver adeptly in the geopolitical landscape.

Reasons for Sentencing and Complexities Involved

  • Reports indicate the arrest was related to the alleged leakage of classified details concerning a significant Qatari submarine project. Speculation also suggests Israel might have been the recipient of this classified information.

Challenges and Complex Dynamics

  • Secrecy of Trial: The precise charges are undisclosed, contributing to the complexity of the situation.
  • India’s Diplomatic Investments: India has heavily invested in nurturing bilateral relations with Qatar, aligning with its increased engagement in the Gulf region.
  • Qatar’s Geopolitical Positioning: Qatar serves as a host to various opposition and militant leaders from the Islamic world, including factions like Palestinian Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood, and the Taliban.
  • Interests of Global and Regional Powers: Qatar accommodates American and Turkish military bases while maintaining ties with Iran.
  • Soft Power Influence: Doha’s government-owned Al Jazeera broadcaster holds significant sway as an opinion-shaper in the region.
  • Fuel Exports and Indian Dependency: India heavily relies on Qatari gas, being one of the largest importers.
  • Indian Diaspora in Qatar: A significant population of around 800,000 Indians reside and work in Qatar.

The Need for Skillful Diplomacy

  • The situation demands skillful diplomatic maneuvers to secure the lives and liberty of the eight convicted individuals. The delicate balance between legal verdicts, bilateral relations, and international dynamics necessitates careful and strategic diplomatic engagement.

Way Forward

  • Diplomatic engagement: The Indian government should continue to engage with the Qatari government at a high level to emphasize the importance of the case and to seek clemency for the Indian national. This could involve meetings between the Foreign Ministers, Prime Ministers, or Presidents of the two countries.
  • Legal remedies: The Indian government could also explore legal remedies within Qatar, such as appealing the death sentence or seeking a retrial. This would require working closely with Qatari lawyers and understanding the Qatari legal system.
  • Public pressure: The Indian government could also mobilize public opinion to put pressure on the Qatari government. This could involve protests, demonstrations, and social media campaigns. It is important to note that this approach should be carried out in a respectful and constructive manner.
  • International mediation: India could also seek the mediation of international organizations, such as the United Nations or the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This could help to facilitate a dialogue between the two countries and find a mutually agreeable solution.
  • Economic sanctions: As a last resort, India could consider imposing economic sanctions on Qatar. This would be a significant step, as it would have a negative impact on both economies. However, it is important to note that sanctions should only be used as a last resort and should be carefully calibrated to maximize their impact while minimizing collateral damage.

 

Strong Bilateral Ties: India-Qatar Relations and Collaborative Efforts

 

  • Long-standing Partnership: Dating back to 1973, India and Qatar share a historic relationship.
  • Significant Indian Diaspora: Qatar hosts the largest expatriate community from India, totaling 0.74 million.
  • High-level Engagements: Noteworthy political relations, with diplomatic ties established for 50 years and visits by Qatar’s Emir to India in 2015 and India’s PM visiting Qatar in 2016.
  • Economic Interactions: India is a major export destination for Qatar and among its top import sources. Bilateral trade stands at $15 billion, primarily dominated by LNG and LPG exports from Qatar.
  • Defence Cooperation: Both nations signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement in 2008. They conduct the “Exercise Zair-Al-Bahr,” a bilateral maritime exercise to enhance maritime security and strengthen naval exchanges.
  • Strategic Collaborations: India extends training opportunities in its defense institutions to Qatar, while Indian naval and coast guard vessels routinely visit Qatar as part of their bilateral cooperation efforts.
  • Investment: Collaborative ventures in India’s PSU disinvestments, participation in the National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF), and bids for hydrocarbon blocks under the HELP policy were discussed. This could significantly address India’s infrastructure investment needs amid banking sector stress and stalled corporate projects.
  • Energy: Agreements focusing on joint exploration of energy reserves and the involvement of Indian companies in the development of Qatar’s reserves aim to provide investment opportunities for Indian firms and secure India’s energy demands.
  • Terrorism Eradication: Agreements were made on sharing information to prevent money laundering and combat terrorism, affirming a collective commitment to eliminate these threats. This collaboration is expected to curb terrorism financing, reduce the flow of illicit funds, and enhance stability in the Middle East, consequently safeguarding India’s diaspora and ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies.

Sources: Indian Express

Mains Question

India-Qatar relations have been strained in recent months due to the death sentence of 8 Indian nationals in Qatar. Discuss the key challenges in the relationship and suggest ways to address them.