Seven of the eight Indian Navy veterans, who were recently released by a Qatar court after months of imprisonment on ‘espionage’ charges, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they reached New Delhi on Monday morning. The ex-servicemen, relieved to be back home, attributed their release to sustained diplomatic efforts led by PM Modi.
Upon reaching Delhi airport, seven former Indian Navy officers happily chanted “Bharat Mata ki Jai” (Victory to Mother India) while interacting with journalists. One of the veterans thanked Modi for directly addressing his sentencing with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and stressed the important role of the prime minister’s diplomatic initiatives in securing his freedom.
Expressing his relief and gratitude, he said, “I feel relieved and happy to finally be back home safe and sound. I would like to thank Prime Minister Modi as this would not have been possible if not for his personal intervention for our safety.” There is no release. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.”
Qatar releases 8 Indian Navy veterans jailed on spying charges, 7 return to India
Another released naval officer also expressed similar sentiments and stressed the indispensable role played by PM Modi in his release. He remarked, “Without the intervention of PM Modi, we would not have been free. If he had not worked tirelessly and intervened at the highest level to get us independence, we would not have been standing before you today.”
Social media users also seem to be repeating this sentiment.
Kanchan Gupta, senior advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said on social media platforms that he would be brought back alive. As always, PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Modi Guarantee’ has worked like magic. All eight have been released; 7 have returned home. #ModiHaiTohMumkinHai”