• UGI USER
  • Feb 14, 2024
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HOMEWARD BOUND- QUIET DIPLOMACY WITHOUT BRINKMANSHIP HELPED INDIA’S CASE IN QATAR

Syllabus:

GS 2:

  • Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Focus:

  • Qatar has released eight veterans of the Indian Navy who were sentenced to death on espionage charges.
Source:- ZeeNews

Qatar has amended the death sentences for eight Indian Navy veterans, instead imposing “varying durations” of imprisonment. The former Indian Navy personnel incarcerated in Qatar have been granted a 60-day window to challenge their respective prison sentences. However Neither Qatar nor India have revealed the specific charges against the men.

Case Overview: Detainment of Indian Navy Veterans

  • Initial Arrest: On August 30, 2022, eight ex-Indian Navy personnel and two others were detained under undisclosed allegations.
  • Confinement Conditions: They were placed in solitary confinement.
  • Professional Engagement: These individuals were associated with Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, focusing on defence services.
  • Project Involvement: Reports suggest their role was related to the integration of Italian U2I2 stealth submarines, working privately for the company which supported the Qatari Emiri Naval Force (QENF) with training, logistics, and maintenance.

Legal Proceedings

  • Charges and Conviction: The specific reasons for their imprisonment remain undisclosed, yet media outlets claim they were accused of espionage for Israel.
  • Capital Punishment and Appeals: Following the denial of several bail applications, a trial in March 2023 led to their death sentences on October 26, 2023. India filed an appeal in November 2023, contesting the charges and sentences.

Diplomatic Resolution

  • Sentence Reduction: Qatar’s Appeal Court reduced the death sentences in December 2023.
  • Significance of Release: The subsequent release of the navy veterans underscores effective Indo-Qatari diplomatic engagements, enhancing the safety of Indians globally and bolstering bilateral relations.
  • Broader Impact: This incident highlights India’s diplomatic leverage and commitment to safeguarding its citizens’ interests abroad, vital for the well-being of the extensive Indian diaspora in the Gulf, which significantly contributes to India’s remittance inflows and the Gulf’s economic vitality.

Evolution and Dynamics of India-Qatar Relations

Source: The Quint

High-Level Diplomatic Exchanges

  • The trajectory of India-Qatar relations has been on an upward curve, particularly marked by significant visits from both sides. The milestone was set with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s historic visit in 2008, the first-ever by an Indian Prime Minister to Qatar, which significantly enhanced bilateral ties.
  • This was followed by reciprocal visits, including the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to India in 2015 and Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Qatar in 2016, further solidifying the relationship.
  • In 2018, Sushma Swaraj became the first Indian Foreign Minister to visit Qatar, highlighting the growing importance of bilateral relations.

Trade and Economic Links

  • Qatar emerges as a key trade partner for India, ranking among the top destinations for Qatar’s exports and a primary source for imports, especially in the energy sector.
  • The fiscal year 2022-23 saw India importing goods worth $16.81 billion from Qatar, with LNG constituting nearly half of this value, underscoring Qatar’s role as India’s principal LNG supplier.
  • On the export front, India’s offerings to Qatar include a diverse range of products, from cereals to processed foods, showcasing a multifaceted trade relationship.

Strategic LNG Agreement

  • A landmark extension of the LNG supply agreement until 2048, announced in January 2024, represents a significant stride in energy cooperation, ensuring India’s energy security and strengthening economic ties.
  • The deal with Petronet for 7.5 million tonnes of LNG annually from 2029 is notable for being the world’s largest LNG agreement extension, building on a partnership initiated in 1999.

Defence Cooperation

  • Defence ties have been a cornerstone of the India-Qatar relationship, with the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2008 serving as a pivotal moment. Its extension in 2018 further emphasizes the strategic dimension of bilateral relations.
  • Regular exchanges and joint exercises between the Indian and Qatari naval forces, including the Zair Al Bahr joint naval exercise, highlight the deepening military engagement.

Indian Diaspora in Qatar

  • The substantial Indian community in Qatar, contributing significantly to remittances, underscores the personal and economic bonds linking the two countries, with Qatar being a key source of remittances to India.

Challenges in India-Qatar Bilateral Relations

  • Diplomatic Sensitivities: Incidents like the controversial remarks by an Indian spokesperson in 2022 highlight the need for careful navigation of cultural and religious sensitivities to maintain diplomatic harmony.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: The volatility in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, poses a challenge in aligning India’s strategic interests with Qatar’s regional positions and mediation efforts.
  • Energy Dependency: India’s heavy reliance on Qatar for LNG underscores a vulnerability in energy security, necessitating diversification of energy sources.
  • Labor Rights Concerns: The welfare and rights of the large Indian expatriate community in Qatar require ongoing attention, amidst international scrutiny over labor conditions in the Gulf.
  • Trade Imbalance: The significant trade imbalance, with Indian imports from Qatar far outweighing exports, calls for efforts to broaden the trade basket and enhance mutual economic benefits.

Way Forward for India-Qatar Relations

  • Enhanced Political Dialogue: Regular high-level exchanges and strategic dialogues can help preemptively address potential diplomatic frictions and deepen mutual understanding.
  • Energy Partnership Diversification: Beyond LNG, exploring renewable energy collaborations can enhance energy security and environmental sustainability for both nations.
  • Broadening Trade Relations: Identifying new areas for trade and investment, particularly in technology, healthcare, and education, can balance trade and foster economic interdependence.
  • Defense and Security Cooperation: Expanding defense ties through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and collaborations in cybersecurity can address shared security challenges.
  • Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Strengthening cultural exchanges and ensuring the welfare of the Indian diaspora in Qatar can build social and community bridges, reinforcing bilateral ties.

This episode serves as a poignant lesson on the efficacy of discreet diplomacy over aggressive posturing, particularly amidst global tensions. The relationship between India and Qatar, a key West Asian ally and significant natural gas supplier, exemplifies the delicate balance of mutual respect and strategic diplomacy.

 

Source:

https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader

Mains Practice Question:

Evaluate the role of quiet diplomacy in resolving international conflicts, citing the recent release of Indian naval personnel in Qatar as a case study. Discuss the strategic approach adopted by India and its implications on India’s foreign relations. Analyze the significance of India’s decision to avoid public confrontation and instead opt for discreet diplomatic efforts.