According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, the Indian embassy in Doha is doing everything possible to facilitate the early release and repatriation of the eight former Navy officers from Qatar. There have been eight officers detained there in recent days.
According to MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, when asked about the reports about the detention of the former navy officers, “We are aware of the detention of eight Indian nationals who were working for a private company in Qatar.”
Having been in touch with Qatari authorities, the Indian Embassy in Qatar has been able to get consular access to the detained Indian nationals and confirm their well-being.
Several times, the detained persons have spoken with their family members. The Qatari authorities have been contacted, and we have requested another round of consular access,” he said.
We are in contact with the families through our embassy and ministry. Bagchi stated that the embassy is making every effort to facilitate the release and repatriation of detained Indian nationals.
Eight former Indian Navy officers in custody in Qatar are employed by a company that provides training and other services to the Qatari Emiri Navy.
Even though the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed their detention on Thursday, there was no information regarding the charges against these former naval officials.
Earlier reports indicated that the former Navy officers worked for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services. Described as a “local business partner” of Qatar’s defence, security, and other government agencies, the company operates and maintains defence equipment.
Khamis Al Ajmi, the group’s CEO, is a retired Squadron Leader of the Royal Oman Air Force.
Commander Purnendu Tiwari (retd), the firm’s managing director, is among the eight Indians in custody. A Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award was presented to him by the then-President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, in 2019.
On his company’s website, he states that he served in the Indian Navy as a minesweeper and a sizeable amphibious warship commander.