Qatar has strong and friendly bilateral relations with India. The country has an embassy in Delhi and a consulate in Mumbai. India also operates its embassy in Qatar. Cultural and economic progress between the two countries is plain sailing as of now. On another note, about half a million Malayalis are settled in Qatar. The Emir of Qatar visited India in recent times and PM Modi returned the gesture by visiting Doha. This is indicative of the cordial ties existing between the two countries. However, on Thursday a small rupture occurred after a Qatar court sentenced the death penalty to eight ex-Indian navy officials, in purported charges of espionage.

Adding to this, Hamas's attack on Israel and subsequent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have led to major conflicts not only among Arab countries but across the world. Qatar is mediating the negotiations for the release of the hostages held by Hamas. At present, India has adopted a favourable position towards Israel at the diplomatic level. India’s leanings toward Israel have also contributed much to Qatar’s unapologetic decision to move forward with the death penalty to eight ex-navy officials that also including one Malayali.

According to diplomatic experts, the sudden Qatar move to turn antagonist against India is douted as a sly attempt to reverse India’s support to Israel. So, Qatar is purportedly adopting coercive techniques to win India’s favour. The list of eight ex-navy men detained also includes a few celebrated officers. All of them were working for Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private firm that provides adept training to Qatar’s armed forces and intelligence agencies.

Over this one-year time in detention, the bail plea raised by the eight ex-navy officials was denied multiple times. In recent times, the court even ordered an extension to their jail period. Commander (retired) Purnendu Tiwari who was one among the eight people detained, was a former Navy official who commanded several warships while on duty.

There were also reports that Pakistan had trapped them by giving false secret information. Although the Indian Embassy made some efforts for their release, the communication between the two countries fell apart without any promise.

“We are deeply shocked with the verdict pronounced by Qatar. A detailed judgment is awaited. India will surely seek amelioration with Qatar on this matter and all consular and legal assistance will be ensured” MEA responded to the issue.

If Qatar snubs the amelioration attempt, India may seek assistance from the International Court of Justice. In the case of Kulbhushan Yadav, a former naval officer who was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court of Pakistan on charges of espionage, India approached the International Court of Justice and sought a stay, so Pakistan has not been able to implement that sentence.

However, Qatar and Pakistan are poles apart from an Indian diplomatic viewpoint. In Qatar, the Emir is the final authority on everything and his dominance even surpasses the court. And with the latest news emerging, PM Narendra Modi has decided to directly intervene in this issue and will move forward with diplomatic parleys.

Likewise, steps should be taken by the central government to visit the families of the eight ex-navy officials and inform them about the situation. India under PM Modi has always nurtured great rapport with Gulf countries. The situation is conducive for PM Modi to make Qatar reverse their decision for good.