India expresses shock after Qatar death sentence for former Navy personnel

India has expressed shock over a court in Qatar pronouncing the death sentence for 8 of its nationals allegedly for engaging in espionage.

The external affairs ministry has said that all legal options are being explored and the matter will be taken up with Qatari authorities.

"We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgement in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra company.


We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options," a statement released by the ministry reads.

It added that all consular and legal assistance will be rendered and the case is being closely followed.

The 8 nationals, all retired Indian Navy personnel, were arrested for allegedly spying for Israel. They were working with a Qatari company that was involved in training armed forces personnel.

The ministry however did not go into details of the case in its statement. "Due to the confidential nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture," it reads.