Indian Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar met on Sunday with the families of eight Indians who are on death row in Qatar. The meeting took place at the Indian Embassy in Doha.
During the meeting, Jaishankar assured the families that the Indian government is doing everything it can to secure the release of their loved ones. He said that he has spoken to the Qatari authorities on multiple occasions about the matter and that they have assured him that they are giving it their serious consideration.
“I know that this is a very difficult time for you and your families,” Jaishankar said. “I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to help. We are in constant touch with the Qatari authorities, and we are hopeful that we will be able to find a positive resolution to this matter.”
The families of the eight Indians on death row have been campaigning for their release for several years. They have appealed to the Indian government, the Qatari government, and human rights organizations for help.
In 2021, the Qatari authorities announced that they would be reviewing the death sentences of all foreign nationals on death row. This was seen as a positive development by the families of the eight Indians on death row, but there has been no update on the review since then.
The meeting between Jaishankar and the families of the eight Indians on death row is a welcome sign that the Indian government is committed to securing their release. It remains to be seen whether the Qatari authorities will grant clemency to the eight Indians, but the meeting is a step in the right direction.
What the Indian Government Can Do
The Indian government can continue to put pressure on the Qatari authorities to grant clemency to the eight Indians on death row. The Indian ambassador to Qatar can meet with Qatari officials on a regular basis to discuss the matter. The Indian government can also raise the issue with the Qatari government at the international level, such as at the United Nations General Assembly.
The Indian government can also provide financial and legal assistance to the families of the eight Indians on death row. The Indian embassy in Doha can help the families to hire lawyers and to pay for legal expenses. The Indian government can also provide financial assistance to the families to help them make ends meet while their loved ones are in prison.
The Indian government can also work to prevent other Indians from being sentenced to death in Qatar. The Indian government can educate Indian citizens about the risks of working in Qatar and about the Qatari legal system. The Indian government can also work with the Qatari government to improve the working conditions for Indian workers in Qatar.
