Why is it in the News?

In a setback to India’s efforts at securing their release, eight former personnel of the Indian Navy, arrested in an alleged case of espionage, were handed the death sentence by a court in Qatar.

About India- Qatar Relations:

• Economic Cooperation: Economic cooperation is a cornerstone of the India-Qatar relationship.
• Qatar exports products like LNG, LPG, chemicals, petrochemicals, fertilizers, plastics, and aluminum articles to India.
• India exports cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, and fruits to Qatar.
• In 2021, India ranked among the top four largest export destinations for Qatar and is among the top three sources of Qatar's imports, with bilateral trade totaling approximately $15 billion.
• The India-Qatar Start-up Bridge is a collaborative initiative to connect the startup ecosystems of both nations.
• Energy Partnership: Qatar is a significant supplier of LNG to India, and this energy partnership has grown over the years.
• India's total imports from Qatar in FY2022-23 were valued at $16.81 billion, of which LNG imports alone were worth $8.32 billion.
• Political and Diplomatic Relations: Both countries maintain strong political ties. High-level visits by leaders from both sides have led to the signing of various agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering diverse areas, including defense, trade, and investment.
• For instance, former PM Manmohan Singh’s visit in November 2008
• In November 2022, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar traveled to Doha for the FIFA World Cup and addressed the Indian diaspora.
• Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: The cultural aspect of the relationship is strengthened by the presence of a large Indian community in Qatar.
• An extensive Indian community of over 800,000 individuals resides in Qatar, fostering strong ties between the two nations through expatriates.
• The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) provided COVID-19 medical relief materials to India.
• Defense Collaboration: The two countries have explored defense collaboration and joint military exercises, strengthening their defense ties and strategic partnerships.
• For instance, Joint military exercises, such as the Za’ir-Al-Bahr (Roar of Sea) naval exercise, promote cooperation between the Indian and Qatari Navies.
• The 2008 Defense Cooperation Agreement is a pivotal aspect of India-Qatar relations, involving mutual training and visits, notably for the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces in India.
• Maritime collaboration includes interactions between Indian and Qatari ports.
• Education and Skill Development: Qatar has also partnered with India in the field of education and skill development, providing opportunities for Indian workers to enhance their skills and employability.
• For instance, 14 Indian schools in Qatar are offering CBSE curricula.

What are the challenges associated with the India-Qatar relationship?

• Detention of 8 Ex-Navy Personnel: Eight former Indian Navy personnel are imprisoned in Qatar, with some facing the death sentence.
  • This is a significant concern, particularly as a large Indian expatriate community resides in Qatar.
• Strained Relations Post-2017 Qatar Blockade: India's engagement with nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE has strained its relationship to some extent with Qatar due to the Gulf blockade in 2017.
• Geopolitical Complexities within OIC: Qatar, in collaboration with Turkey, Pakistan, and Malaysia, has challenged the UAE and Saudi Arabia within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), raising concerns for India.
• Support for Militant Groups: Qatar's alignment with Iran and its support for groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas have caused tensions with India.
• Historical Rivalry with Israel: Qatar and Israel have a historical enmity, and India's growing ties with Israel have not been well-received by the Qatari leadership.
• Controversy Over Prophet Comments: Controversy arose due to comments by an Indian ruling party spokesperson against the Prophet.
  • Qatar demanded a public apology, which was resolved after the spokesperson was removed from their position.
• Media Concerns About Minorities: Qatar's media (i.e. Al Jazeera) has expressed concerns about the treatment of minorities by the ruling government, further impacting bilateral relations.
• Participation in US-Led Initiatives: India's involvement in U.S.-led initiatives like I2U2 and the IMEEEC has contributed to strained relations with Qatar, particularly in light of the Hamas attacks and the Abraham Accords.

Why is Qatar important to India's Look West Policy despite these challenges?

• Geopolitical Significance: Qatar hosts leaders from various opposition and militant movements, including Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Taliban, positioning itself as a key player in the intricate dynamics of the Islamic world.
• Global and Regional Interests: Qatar houses American and Turkish military bases while maintaining diplomatic ties with Iran, which significantly influences the geopolitics of the region.
• Soft Power Influence: Qatar wields substantial soft power through the government-owned Al Jazeera broadcaster, allowing it to shape opinions across the region.
• GCC Membership: Qatar's membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) holds strategic importance for India, especially concerning regional matters such as Kashmir.
• UNSC Support: Qatar's support is crucial for India's pursuit of a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
• Business Relationships: Numerous major Indian companies operate in Qatar, fostering economic ties between the two nations.
• Gulf Stability: The stability of the Gulf region is of paramount importance to India's energy and maritime security, underscoring the significant role Qatar plays in this context.

What are the options available for India in the present case?

• Legal Recourse and Diplomatic Pressure: In response to the verdict, India is actively pursuing a range of legal options and retains the possibility of escalating the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if due process is not followed.
• Transfer of Sentenced Persons: There exists a bilateral agreement for the transfer of sentenced prisoners, enabling Indian nationals sentenced in Qatar to serve their sentences in India.
• Economic Influence: India's substantial market for Qatar's LNG stands as a potent economic leverage.
• Given India's sustained growth and energy demands, Qatar maintains a vested interest in nurturing a robust economic relationship.
• This opens avenues for potential concessions and a review of trade agreements that could mutually benefit both nations.
• Prudent Diplomacy: Effectively navigating challenges and engaging in constructive dialogue underscores the importance of diplomacy in resolving international disputes.
• For instance, India is dedicated to providing consular and legal support and has raised the verdict issue with Qatari authorities, particularly in light of families filing a mercy plea with the Emir of Qatar.

Conclusion

The situation involving the 8 Indian citizens and former naval servicemen necessitates a concerted effort involving legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian actions. The government must place a strong emphasis on negotiations with Qatari authorities, potentially warranting high-level intervention. At this juncture, a swift and diplomatic approach, rather than brinkmanship, is of utmost importance.