<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1699542839690" alt="Indian Navy veterans face death sentence in Qatar; India appeals" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

An appeal has been lodged against the death sentence imposed on eight former Indian Navy personnel by a Qatari court last month, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi confirmed that the Indian embassy in Doha received consular access to the detained individuals on Tuesday. Bagchi assured that New Delhi would continue to provide legal and consular assistance to the accused.
The eight former Indian Navy personnel were sentenced to death by Qatar’s Court of First Instance on October 26. India expressed deep shock at the ruling and vowed to explore all legal avenues in the case.
Bagchi emphasised that the judgment is confidential, shared only with the legal team, and an appeal has now been filed. The appeal was submitted by the legal representatives of the detained Indian nationals.
Bagchi informed that the Indian embassy in Doha facilitated another consular access to the detainees on November 7. He reiterated that New Delhi remains in contact with the family members and highlighted that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had met them earlier this month in New Delhi. Bagchi urged against engaging in speculation given the sensitive nature of the case.
The Indian nationals, who were employed by the private company Al Dahra, were arrested in August last year in an alleged case of espionage. The specific charges against them have not been made public by either the Qatari authorities or the Indian government.
The former Navy officers, with unblemished service records of up to 20 years, held significant positions, including instructors in the Indian Navy.
Al-Dhara Global, the company in question, ceased operations in Doha in May, leading to the return of its primarily Indian workforce to their home country. The Indian Navy had previously advocated for the release of the former naval personnel, raising the issue with the government's top brass.
The case remains a matter of high importance for the Indian authorities, prompting them to explore all legal options to secure a favourable outcome for the accused veterans.

Indian Navy veterans face death sentence in Qatar; India appeals

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1700721755311" alt="8 Indian ex-servicemen sentenced to death in Qatar: Everything you need to know" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
The Court of First Instance of Qatar, on October 26, 2023, sentenced 8 ex-servicemen of the Indian Navy to death on charges that remain classified.
In a statement released the same day The Ministry of External Affairs said that it was “deeply shocked” and was awaiting the detailed judgement. The Ministry’s statement read that they were “exploring all legal options” and would “continue to extend all consular and legal assistance”. They would also be taking up the verdict with the Qatari authorities.
<ins>Timeline of Events</ins>
<ins>August 30, 2022</ins> – 8 ex-servicemen of the Indian Navy were taken into custody by Qatari intelligence service, and were kept in solitary confinement. The 8 individuals were employees of the now defunct private firm Dahra Global Technologies and Consulting Services, a Qatari-based defence services provider.
<ins>September, 2022</ins> – The Indian Embassy was notified of their arrest. Their first bail plea was rejected.&nbsp;
<ins>September 30, 2022</ins> – The detainees were allowed a brief phone call with their family.
<ins>October 3, 2022</ins> – Their first consular access was granted. For the next few months, they were permitted to make weekly phone calls to their family.
<ins>December, 2022</ins> – Speaking to the Parliament, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called the matter "sensitive", and assured the Rajya Sabha that the matter was a priority.
<ins>March and June, 2023</ins> – The first and second trials of the Indian nationals were held in respectively.&nbsp;
<ins>August, 2023</ins> – The New Indian Express reported that the veterans had finally been moved out of solitary confinement, and were instead lodged on a twin-sharing basis.
<ins>October 1, 2023</ins> – India’s ambassador to Qatar met the imprisoned ex-servicemen after being granted consular access.
<ins>October 3, 2023</ins> – The seventh hearing of the case was held.
<ins>October 26, 2023</ins> – The Court of First Instance sentenced all 8 Indian nationals to death.
<ins>October 30, 2023</ins> – Dr. Jaishankar, in a meeting with the families of these men, assured them that the Government was going to make every effort to secure their release.
<ins>Who Are The 8 Ex-Servicemen</ins>
According to former military officials, all of the former Navy officers had “unblemished stints”, and had held important positions. The eight former navy personnel detained are Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta and Sailor Ragesh. Commander Purnendu Tiwari was even conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award in 2019
<ins>The (Concealed) Charges</ins>
Both Qatar and India have not made the charges against the Indian nationals public.
As per reports, however, the eight men were allegedly spying on Qatar’s secret submarine program on behalf of Israel.
Qatar’s state intelligence agency, the Qatar State Security, had allegedly intercepted electronic communication which implicated the men in committing espionage for Israel. They were accused of spying on the Qatari Navy’s classified project involving Italian-made midget submarines designed to evade radar detection.
“We have tried hard to convince our counterparts in Doha that India and its nationals were not involved in hostile intelligence operations against the emirate”, said an intelligence officer who spoke to The Print under the condition of anonymity in April, 2023. “But the Qataris are insisting that intelligence on their submarine programme was passed on to Israel,” he added.
<ins>Future Course of Action</ins>
On November 16, 2023, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi expressed optimism saying that a “positive outcome” was expected of the appeal filed in Qatar’s Court of Appeal.&nbsp;
“I would again urge everyone not to engage in speculation considering the sensitive nature of the case, as well as the fact that the judgement in the entire process has been made confidential by the Qatari side,” stated Bagchi.
If Qatar’s Court of Appeal does not provide relief to the ex-servicemen, a further appeal can still be filed before the Court of Cassation, Qatar’s highest court.
Additionally, the Indian side is believed to be exploring other options to resolve this issue. One could be devising an arrangement under an existing agreement signed between India and Qatar in 2015 for the transfer of convicted prisoners which would allow them to complete their sentence in their home country.
Another avenue could be approaching the International Court of Justice.
The families of the eight men have already filed a mercy petition before the Emir of Qatar, who usually grants pardons during the Eid festivals and on Qatar’s National Day observed on December 18th.

8 Indian ex-servicemen sentenced to death in Qatar: Everything you need to know

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1697576949710" alt="Chinese President defends Belt & Road Initiative amid criticism, calls for global co-operation" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a defiant response to international criticism, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the participating nations of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Addressing attendees, Xi highlighted that the loans provided by China for these infrastructure projects are neither “windfalls” nor “charity,” but outcomes earned through the diligence, wisdom, and courage of the governments, enterprises, and people involved.
“The achievements of Belt and Road cooperation are neither a windfall nor made with others’ alms-giving and charity, but are earned by governments, enterprises, and the people of participating countries with their diligence, wisdom, and courage,” Xi declared.
The BRI, launched in 2013, has been a flagship project under Xi’s leadership, aiming to build extensive infrastructure projects in numerous countries. Official reports state that it has generated $240 billion in Chinese investments abroad.
However, it has also faced criticism, with accusations that the loans provided have become debt traps for smaller nations, particularly in Asia and Africa, leading them into severe economic crises.
Critics argue that these nations have struggled to repay the massive loans taken for unsustainable mega projects, which in turn, have led to an international outcry against China’s approach to global economic cooperation.
India, a significant regional player, boycotted the BRI Forum for the third time, highlighting concerns about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), violating India’s sovereignty.
While leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the forum, India remained resolute in its stance, demanding adherence to universally recognised international norms, good governance, and the principles of openness, transparency, and financial sustainability in BRI projects.
Xi’s remarks at the forum aimed to underscore the accomplishments of the BRI cooperation, asserting that a historical trend of peace, development, and win-win cooperation is unstoppable. Despite ongoing criticism, Xi called for global cooperation, emphasising the shared efforts among participating nations.
Xi stated that over the past 10 years since the BRI was launched, China and BRI partners have worked together to uphold the Silk Road spirit, contribute to global connectivity, build platforms for international economic cooperation, and add momentum to world economic growth.
With representatives from more than 140 countries and over 30 international organisations in attendance, the forum aimed to chart the future course of the BRI for the next decade.
While China continues to defend its global initiative, the international community remains watchful, advocating the importance of responsible, transparent, and sustainable economic cooperation on the global stage. The outcome of this ongoing dialogue will likely shape the trajectory of global economic cooperation in the years to come.

Chinese President defends Belt & Road Initiative amid criticism, calls for global co-operation

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1697575232055" alt="NSA Doval condemns terrorism, advocates connectivity in Central Asia" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a strategic meeting between India and Central Asian nations, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval highlighted India's commitment to fostering connectivity and economic integration with the Central Asian region.
Held in Kazakhstan, the meeting highlighted India's concerns over the lack of direct land access to Central Asia due to Pakistan's restrictions. Doval's remarks underscored the importance of transparent connectivity initiatives that respect the sovereignty of all nations and do not impose debt burdens.
The meeting, attended by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, focused on regional security concerns, particularly in the context of Afghanistan. Doval condemned terrorism unequivocally, offering fully funded capacity building programs to combat this menace.
He extended an invitation to Central Asian countries to utilise the Chabahar port in Iran, operated by an Indian company, for maritime trade, stressing on the need to address the anomaly of limited land connectivity between India and this resource-rich region.
India's land access to Central Asia has been blocked, with Pakistan denying any direct routes, even to Afghanistan, India's contiguous neighbour. Despite this blockade, Pakistan made an exception in 2021, allowing India to supply humanitarian aid to drought-hit Afghanistan.
During the meeting, Doval stressed India's humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and efforts to promote sports, including cricket, as part of the ongoing World Cup.
The discussions highlighted immediate priorities shared by the participating countries, including humanitarian assistance, the formation of inclusive and representative governments, counterterrorism efforts, combating drug trafficking, and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups.
This dialogue mechanism stemmed from the 2022 summit between India and Central Asian countries, reflecting a shared understanding of common threats such as terrorism and extremism. To deepen mutual understanding, India plans to organise a seminar involving scholars from both regions, underscoring the significance of dialogue and diplomacy in conflict resolution.
The meeting delved into areas beyond security concerns, emphasising co-operation in cyber security, digital infrastructure, rare earth minerals, and people-to-people contacts.
Doval proposed the establishment of an India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum, aimed at facilitating investments by Indian private companies in this sector.
Additionally, India expressed its commitment to collaborating closely with Central Asian nations to build defences against cyber threats, fostering a secure cyber ecosystem in the region.
India's proactive stance in addressing regional challenges and promoting collaboration underscores its commitment to regional unity and prosperity. Through diplomatic dialogue, India seeks to create avenues for cooperation, economic growth, and cultural exchange, reflecting its vision for a connected and harmonious Central Asia.

NSA Doval condemns terrorism, advocates connectivity in Central Asia

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1697116476380" alt="Operation Ajay: India launches rescue mission for stranded Indians in Israel amid escalating tensions" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In response to the escalating tension in Israel following a series of brazen attacks by Hamas militants, India announced the initiation of 'Operation Ajay' on Wednesday.
The operation aims to facilitate the return of Indians stranded in Israel, with the first chartered flight expected to bring back 230 individuals on Friday.
Currently, approximately 18,000 Indians reside in Israel, as confirmed by the External Affairs Ministry.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took to social media to declare the launch of Operation Ajay, stating, "Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return."
Special charter flights and other arrangements have been organised to ensure the safe return of Indians, underscoring India's commitment to the safety and well-being of its nationals abroad.
The Indian embassy in Israel has already communicated with the first batch of registered Indian citizens, informing them about the special flight scheduled for Friday.
Additionally, a round-the-clock control room has been established in Delhi, along with emergency helplines in Tel Aviv and Ramallah, to monitor the situation in the affected regions and provide assistance to Indian citizens.
For those seeking assistance, the control room's contact numbers in Delhi are 1800118797 (toll-free), 91-11 23012113, 91-11-23014104, 91-11-23017905, and 919968291988. Furthermore, inquiries can be sent to the email address situationroom@mea.gov.in.
Amidst these efforts, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also discussed the crisis with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates, emphasising the importance of continued communication.
In light of the complex situation, Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai, assured that the Israeli government is collaborating closely with the Indian Embassy in Operation Ajay. Shoshani expressed appreciation for the Indian community's contributions to Israel's economy, highlighting the mutual respect and affection between the nations.
The ongoing conflict between Hamas militants and Israel has resulted in significant casualties, with over 2,150 people reported dead. The Israeli authorities confirmed the loss of more than 1,200 lives, including 155 soldiers, while the Palestinian side reported 950 casualties in Gaza.
The situation remains fluid, and both diplomatic and operational efforts are underway to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in the affected region.

Operation Ajay: India launches rescue mission for stranded Indians in Israel amid escalating tensions

Also read/refer my last two discussions on this subject - <a href="https://policharcha.com/discussion/internationalrelations/e9040416-a4f6-413d-857c-e93dc5c07ad1/india-canada-th" target="_blank">Discussion 1</a> and <a href="https://policharcha.com/discussion/internationalrelations/b9e0ee58-b828-4499-afbf-87f3a8b207e0/what-to-make-of" target="_blank">Discussion 2</a>.

So, since I last wrote on this matter many things have happened, and Bharat has gone to full-on offensive mode. Here's how:

<ins>Actions taken by MEA</ins>
<ul>
<li>MEA issues advisory - "In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution. (Notice the language used.)</li>
<li>Indian visa services suspended in Canada</li>
<li>The Indian Government has decided to downsize Canadian Missions &amp; diplomats in India.</li>
<li>The government is also preparing for a large-scale OCI/PIO/Visa Cancellation of Indian Origin Canadian citizens.</li>
<li>Intelligence Agencies have been asked to prepare this massive list and share it with MEA urgently.</li>
<li>MEA says Canada is a safe haven for terrorists, extremists, and organised crime. (Words do matter in geo-politics. Look at this strong worded message. This is the kind of language we use for Pakistan)</li>
</ul>
<ins>Actions taken by security agencies</ins>
<ul>
<li>NIA announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh each for information leading to the arrest of ‘listed terrorist’, namely Harwinder Singh Sandhu/ Rinda, and Lakhbir Singh Sandhu/Landa, for promoting the terror activities of Babbar Khalsa.</li>
<li>NIA released the pictures of 43 accused gang leaders and criminals have Khalistan background.</li>
<li>Police raided more than 1000 locations in Punjab belonging to listed Gangsters.</li>
<li>NIA got active to catch Khalistan terrorists based in not only Canada &amp; Punjab, but also USA by making public photos of 10 terrorist who attacked Indian Consulate recently.</li>
</ul>
<ins>Other things that happened</ins>
<ul>
<li>Gangster Sukhdool Singh, alias Sukha Duneke, was shot dead in Winnipeg, Canada by 'unidentified' assailants</li>
<li>Lawrence Bishnoi gang claims responsibility for Sukhdool Singh's killing in Canada</li>
</ul>
<ins>Actions taken by civil society</ins>
<ul>
<li>Canada based singer Shubh's shows in India got cancelled. Brand endorsements taken away. Celebrities stopped following.</li>
<li>Anand Mahindra's company Mahindra &amp; Mahindra has decided to end its partnership with Canada based company Rayson Aerospace Corporation.</li>
</ul>
<ins>Now let's talk about politics</ins>
<ins>Geo-politics</ins>
Canada sought assistance from its Western allies to corner India, but nothing of that sort happened - more details on this <a href="https://policharcha.com/discussion/internationalrelations/b9e0ee58-b828-4499-afbf-87f3a8b207e0/what-to-make-of" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;
<ins>Indian Politics</ins>
See politics is a game of perception. One action leads multiple reactions and results. Let me explain. The India-Canada row made Khalistan talks more relevant in India. Old videos and connections started coming out on social media for the whole world to see. This led to citizens of India disliking Khalistan even more. Also, some political connections came to light.
<ul>
<li>A video went viral which showed a CNN report claiming ISI links with Nijjar. People started about talking the nexus between ISI and Khalistan.</li>
<li>Former R&amp;AW official, in an interview, told that Congress leader Kamal Nath used to send money to Bhindranwale. In short, Bhindrawale was an asset to Kamal Nath and Congress. This established a connection between Congress and Khalistan.</li>
<li>Perception made - Canada &amp; Khalistan + ISI &amp; Khalistan + Congress &amp; Khalistan = Nexus of Khalistan, ISI, Congress, and Canada. Implication - Advantage BJP.</li>
</ul>
Now I come to the title of this discussion. It was a grave mistake committed by Trudeau to name India in Nijjar's killing, especially if you consider that Trudeau and PM Modi had a conversation about this issue. The point is when they talked about this sensitive issue in private, why did Trudeau went public in accusing India.

Honestly, I believe that this was the slip-up GoI had been waiting to happen. I think the sub-par welcome of Trudeau in the G20 was also planned. PM Modi might have expected something of this sort to happen.

And when it happened, we were ready to pounce.

Now, New Delhi has the license in dealing with these separatists and terrorists in any manner they want.

The seeds of this conflict were sown during the time of farmer's laws protest when Khalistan, backed by Canada and opposition, had an agenda.
However, had the GoI taken any 'hard steps' then, it would have been branded as a Minority Killer. But now, they have a full support, both domestically and internationally, to go after these anti-India forces.

That is why they say, when an idiot is doing stupid things, don’t disturb him.
<a href="/hashtag/GeneralElection2024">#GeneralElection2024</a>&nbsp;

When an idiot is doing stupid things, don’t disturb him | India 3 – 0 Canada

"Pakistan is the only country that is not afraid of India", claims Pakistan's Foreign Secretary, Muhammad Syrus Qazi

On the question of India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani Terrorist Nijjar, Muhammad said, “We are aware of the nature of our eastern neighbours, we know what they are capable of ….. so it is not a surprise for us."

Pakistan's statement on the India-Canada row

It is understandable that Trudeau's popularity has been on a decline, so to woo some Sikh community in Canada he did what he did. one thing he didnt understand was that all sikhs are not khalistani.

then to take this matter to an international stage was even dumber. i mean just look at the recent history.
if countries like US, UK and France couldnt put pressure on India in the aftermath of Russia ukraine war, why does Trudeau think that Canada has a chance?

Blunder blunder - what did Trudeau think before taking this to public?

NCCM has asked Trudeau to expunge Indian amdassador to Canada, recall canadian amdassador, break economic ties specially the CEPA, and ban RSS under the criminal court.

now it is getting clearer about what Canada wanted all along. okay the first three demands still make sense but why bring RSS into picture. why do they want to make this a hindu muslim thing.&nbsp;

Indian Navy veterans face death sentence in Qatar; India appeals

Related Discussion

When an idiot is doing stupid things, don’t disturb him | India 3 – 0 Canada

Pakistan's statement on the India-Canada row

Blunder blunder - what did Trudeau think before taking this to public?

now National Council of Canadian Muslims enters the fray

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