MEA announces return of 8th Indian from Qatar after meeting ‘specified conditions’

New Delhi, Feb 29 (IANS) The Ministry of External Affairs announced that the eighth Indian Navy veteran sentenced to death in Qatar will return home after meeting certain requirements. Seven others who were arrested earlier have already returned to India after being released from custody.

The individuals, identified as Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Rajesh, were former navy personnel working for Dahra Global. However, Commander Purnendu Tiwari is yet to return to India, with sources suggesting his arrival by next week.

While the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, did not specify the requirements Commander Tiwari needs to fulfill to return, it is confirmed that the first group of civilian crew replacing Indian troops has arrived in Maldives to operate advanced light helicopters, as stated in a recent media briefing.

Moreover, the Maldives’ Ministry of Defence mentioned that the helicopter stationed at Kadhdhoo Airport would be returned to India for maintenance, with a replacement chopper expected to arrive soon on an Indian warship. President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, had earlier promised to remove Indian troops from Maldives after winning the presidential election in November 2023.