Eight former officers in the Indian Navy were arrested in Qatar on charges of spying for Israel; image credit: The Palestinian Information Center.
by Arnab Baidya 9 November 2023
The recent news of Qatar sentencing eight former Indian naval officers to death on espionage charges sent shockwaves across India’s corridors of power. The lack of official clarification regarding the precise charges raised concerns within the Indian government. However, the issue at hand is far from isolated; it underscores a broader pattern of covert operations and intelligence activities conducted by India, often undermining its self-proclaimed image of a shining democracy.
The eight Indian naval officers, including Captain Navtej Gill, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Captain Saurabh Vashisht, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Captain BK Verma, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander SK Gupta, and sailor Ragesh, were arrested in August 2022 on accusations of spying for Israel. What makes this incident particularly significant is the fact that they were not military personnel but were working for a private company, Dahra Global, owned by Omani Air Force Officer Khamis al-Ajami. Their mission was to oversee the induction of U212 stealth submarines, part of a deal inked by the Qatari Navy with Italian Shipyard, Fincantieri SpA.
The arrest of these naval officers was based on intercepted electronic communications that allegedly revealed the transfer of confidential data to Israel. India’s response to the arrests has been a mix of diplomatic efforts to secure the officers’ release and downplaying the incident. While New Delhi has refrained from acknowledging any wrongdoing, the incident raises questions about India’s involvement in intelligence operations, especially in its neighboring regions.
This incident is not an isolated one, but rather part of a pattern. Not long ago, India’s involvement in a covert operation to assassinate a pro-Khalistan Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was exposed. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that intelligence agencies had substantial evidence of India’s role in the assassination. While Indian government officials vehemently denied these allegations, other Western nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, called for cooperation with Canada. Australia also backed Canada’s stance, emphasizing the need for India to scrutinize its actions in other states.
India’s growing prominence on the global stage, from hosting G20 Summits to assuming BRICS Presidency, has positioned it as a leader of the Global South and a contributor to global peace and stability. Yet, it is essential to remember that actions speak louder than words. At home, the Modi administration has faced criticism for its handling of minority rights, particularly with regard to Muslims and Christians. Reports from organizations like Hindutva Watch have pointed to a concerning trend of suppressing and marginalizing these minority communities.
These recent episodes, including the Qatar incident, have undoubtedly cast a shadow over India’s international image. Western countries have expressed growing concern over India’s actions, especially in covert intelligence operations. Qatar’s strong action against the former Indian naval officers is unprecedented and could have far-reaching consequences. It represents the first time that a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nation has taken such a bold step against India. In international diplomacy, such actions are not taken lightly, as they could lead to significant repercussions for bilateral relations. If Qatar has indeed acted in response to a careful investigation of India’s activities, it sends a clear message that India must halt its illicit adventures.
India can no longer hide its covert operations behind a façade of diplomacy and economic cooperation. It has a history of meddling in the internal affairs of other states, engaging in activities that disrupt peace and stability, a clear violation of international law. From Sarabjit Singh to Kashmir Singh to Kulbhushan Jadhav, numerous Indian spies have been apprehended in Pakistan, caught red-handed in acts aimed at spreading instability and engaging in terrorist activities. Pakistan, a consistent victim of such Indian sabotage, has repeatedly called upon the international community to take decisive action against this state-sponsored terrorism. Western countries, particularly, must address India’s actions, lest India’s unchecked activities evolve into a threat that could destabilize international relations.
Pakistan, with its firsthand experience of Indian spying and sabotage activities, should consider implementing the death sentence awarded by the military court to Kulbhushan Yadav in 2019. Furthermore, Pakistan should consider forming alliances with nations similarly affected by Indian interference in their internal affairs, such as Qatar and Canada. Together, they can share evidence of India’s covert activities with the world, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue and ensuring international peace and stability.
In conclusion, India’s espionage activities have become a matter of international concern, with recent events further complicating its global image. The Qatar incident is not an isolated case but part of a broader pattern of covert operations and intelligence activities. India’s growing prominence on the global stage necessitates a reevaluation of its covert actions. Western nations should address India’s actions and work together to confront state-sponsored espionage and interference in the internal affairs of other nations. The international community must act decisively to preserve global peace and stability, ensuring that India’s unchecked covert activities do not evolve into a more significant threat.