Qatar case: 3-25 years' jail terms for 8 ex-Indian Navy personnel

The eight former Indian Navy personnel, whose death sentences were commuted by a Qatari court, are understood to have been awarded imprisonment of 3-25 years.

Among the seven former Navy officers and a sailor, one has received a prison term of 25 years, four of 15 years, two of 10 years and one of three years, according to persons familiar with the development.

The Ministry of External Affairs has refused to comment on the matter. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said: "At the moment, I do not have any additional information to share until we see the judgment, or the legal team gets to see the detailed judgment. Let me also emphasise the confidential nature of the case. I would urge again not to engage in speculation. The interest of the Indians and the family members is our foremost concern, so please bear with us. Let's find out exactly what it is. The sentences have been reduced, but until we have more details, I do not want to comment on it. We will, of course, be discussing the next possible steps with the legal team and the family members."


On 2015 agreement

Asked whether the Indian government would resort to the 2015 agreement to bring the ex-Navy men back to India to serve their sentences here, the MEA spokesperson said: "Yes, there is such an agreement. However, I am not sure if it is in effect because it requires ratification by both sides, and I would have to check whether the Qatari side had ratified that agreement. I am not yet sure on that."