Eight former Indian Navy officers, previously sentenced to death by a Qatari court, have been freed following prolonged diplomatic efforts by the Indian government. While specific charges were undisclosed by either nation, various media outlets suggested their alleged involvement in espionage for Israel. India's foreign ministry expressed gratitude for the decision, acknowledging the Amir of Qatar's role in facilitating their release.

Upon their return, one of the veterans credited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for personally intervening with Qatari authorities. Employed by a private firm in Qatar, the men had faced sentencing in October, with negotiations spanning months until their death penalty was commuted to an extended prison term in January.

The release coincides with the signing of a 20-year LNG agreement between India and Qatar, involving the sale of 7.5 million tonnes annually. This agreement marks the renewal of a 25-year partnership initiated in 2004, fostering closer ties through energy trade. Notably, Qatar accommodated India during price surges in 2015-16 by allowing flexibility in contracted cargo intake, bypassing contractual clauses, as reported by Indian energy firm Petronet.