VETERANS BACK HOME. MODI DIPLOMACY PAYS OFF

Eight Indians received a pardon from the Emir of Qatar, Tamim Ibn Hamad AI Thani, according to sources

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At the eight Indian nationals and former Indian navy into custody by the Qatar government officials in August 2022, were in a sudden turn of events, released at midnight in Doha. Out of these eight, seven were flown back to India within minutes of their release while one former Indian navy commander Purnendu Tiwari, has been asked to stay back by the Qatar authorities so that the investigation in the case can be completed by the Qatari officials.

While an official confirmation was awaited, sources told the Daily Guardian that the eight Indians had received a pardon from the Emir of Qatar, Tamim Ibn Hamad AI Thani. India-based family members of some of these eight individuals were informed about their release at 2.30 AM in the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.

Family members and sources in Delhi and Doha told the Daily Guardian that their release, which was looking a distant reality for many, became possible after Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally intervened in the matter and requested Hamad AI Thani to release the eight Indians.

On Monday, it was announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a previously unscheduled visit to Qatar to meet the emir and personally thank him. Modi is going on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirate on February 13-14.

He will reach Doha on the evening of February 14 and fly back to India on the evening of February 15.

Till last week, beat reporters who claim to have access to the top offices of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), were publicly claiming to other journalists and MEA officials that the return of these eight Indians was 'very difficult' and unlikely to happen any time soon.

Sources said that the head of another of India's ally, who respects the PM a lot and also shares very good relations with the Qatar government, too played an important role in resolving this crisis.