India has filed an appeal with Qatar over the death penalty to eight former Navy personnel who were arrested in August 2022 and sentenced last month. The reasons for their arrest and conviction remain unknown.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Thursday that the Indian government is “deeply shocked by the verdict”. He added that the case details remain unavailable, as the judgment is confidential and has only been shared with the legal team.

Bagchi stressed that the Indian government is in touch with the families of the eight men and will continue to extend all possible legal and consular support. He also cautioned against speculation in this sensitive matter.

The eight ex-Navy officers include decorated individuals who once commanded major Indian warships. They were working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private firm providing training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces, reported NDTV.

Some of the sailors were working on a sensitive project involving stealth submarines based on Italian technology. Media reports have claimed that they have been accused of spying for Israel.

Those sentenced include Navtej Singh Gill, Birendra Kumar Verma, and Saurabh Vasisht, all of whom hold the rank of Captain, and Amit Nagpal, Purnendu Tiwari, Sugunakar Pakala, and Sanjeev Gupta, who retired with the rank of Commander. Their trial began on March 29 after bail pleas were rejected.

Two days earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the families of the eight men and said that the government attaches the highest importance to the case. He fully shares the concerns and pain of the families.

Navy Chief Admiral Hari Kumar has also vowed to make every effort to secure the release of the eight former Navy personnel.

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