More than 18 months after their arrest and concerns about diplomatic relations, Qatar has freed eight former Indian naval officers from their death sentences, according to a statement by the Indian External Affairs Ministry on Monday.
The ministry credited the emir of Qatar with making this decision.
The ministry further said: "We are grateful for the Amir of Qatar's decision to facilitate these Indian nationals' release and return home."
At the time of their detention, the soldiers were working with a private company on a naval submarine project for the Qatari authorities.
According to sources, the soldiers were charged with spying for Israel, but India and Qatar did not confirm these charges. After being given a death sentence in October, it was revoked in December.
Seven of these officers arrived in India and revealed to the local media that their release from Qatar was due to Prime Minister Modi’s intervention.
The case soured relations between New Delhi and Doha, one of the world's largest energy importers and a vital natural gas supplier to India. Both sides held months-long negotiations for the release of the soldiers and the revival of diplomatic ties.
