Eight former Indian Navy soldiers who have been held in Qatar for more than a year have been sentenced to death by a court there. The Indian government announced that it was shocked by the sentence and promised to investigate all legal avenues to ensure its people' release.

The eight men worked for a private company called Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, which supplied training and associated services to the security services and armed forces of Qatar. Among them were distinguished commanders who had commanded large Indian battleships.

The authorities in Qatar repeatedly denied their requests for bail, therefore prolonging their captivity.

Among the Indians in custody is Commander (retired) Purnendu Tiwari, who was the managing director of Al Dahra and commanded many warships in the Indian navy.

"We've received preliminary information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar ruled today in the matter of the eight Indian workers of the Al Dahra firm," the ministry of external affairs released a statement adding "We are shocked by the death penalty verdict and are awaiting the detailed judgment."

"We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options," said the statement.

The ministry emphasized that they have been constantly monitoring the matter and that it is very important to them.

"We'll keep offering all legal and consular support. The ministry stated, "We will also discuss the ruling with Qatari authorities. Given the sensitive nature of the case procedures, we will not be making any other comments at this time.

The eight individuals are accused of espionage, according to people with knowledge of the situation who recently spoke with HT on the condition of anonymity. The allegations against the individuals, who spent extended periods of time in solitary confinement, have never been made public by the authorities in Qatar or India. The sources said that Qatari officials had recently given an order to an Indian journalist and his spouse to leave the nation so they could report on the matter.

Late in March, the Indian nationals had their first trial.

According to ANI, Meetu Bhargava, the sister of one of the policemen, had asked the Indian government for assistance in bringing her brother back.

Bhargava had pleaded with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in in a post on X on June 8.

"These former Navy men are the pride of the country, and once more, I humbly ask our Honorable Prime Minister to please, with folded hands, bring them all back to India right now, without further delay. @AmitShah @rajnathsingh @MOS_MEA @narendramodiShe wrote on X.

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