New Delhi:Despite India ratifying the bilateral agreement with Qatar for the transfer of sentenced persons, the government’s efforts to bring back eight imprisoned Indian Navy veterans face a hurdle. The agreement, signed during Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to India in 2015, is yet to be ratified by Doha.
The government, in response to the commutation of the death sentence awarded to the Navy veterans, stated on Friday that discussions with the legal team and family members are underway to determine the next course of action. Simultaneously, diplomatic efforts persist to address the issue with Qatar.
While specific details of the jail terms are yet to be officially confirmed by India or Qatar, relatives, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that one among them faces a 25-year jail term, while others have had their death sentences commuted to jail terms ranging from 3 to 15 years.
The delay in Qatar’s ratification of the transfer pact adds uncertainty to the situation, with the government exploring all available options to secure the return of the Navy veterans.
