Jaishankar's Qatar visit sparks hope of ex-naval commander's return

Purnendu Tiwari is not being able to leave Doha because of a travel ban.

-  ABHINANDAN MISHRA

Former Indian Navy commander Purnendu Tiwari is expected to return home soon, sources say. Tiwari, who was released from Qatari detention in February, has been unable to leave Doha due to an ongoing travel ban.

Despite this obstacle, diplomatic efforts to secure his return to India have intensified in recent weeks. Officials familiar with the matter indicate that a breakthrough may be imminent, potentially ending Tiwari’s prolonged stay in Qatar.

Tiwari was arrested along with seven other Indian nationals on the night of 30 August 2022 by Qatar’s State Security (QSS), its intelligence and internal security agency, on unspecified charges. However, all seven were later released on 12 February this year, a decision attributed to the excellent and warm relations between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. They spent 561 days in detention in Qatar.