Generally speaking , it is a set back for Indian image. They are still reeling from Canadian episode. This verdict perhaps will draw negative attention for Qatar due to severity and people involved. Death penalty regardless of crime is not what modern and civilized societies approve. Modi government will not let this happen on their watch. Some may label the endeavor politically motivated but their record of rescuing Indians each time from all over the world is consistent. Lastly , this will be a blow to Qatar to attract talented human capital. There may be mass exodus to other places. All developed countries with diminishing populations are actively promoting immigration for talented people.
My assessment is that relationship between India and GCC countries has acquired a new hue. The relationship of natural love is considerably substituted by relationship of convenience. The Arab intellectuals have grown suspicious of India’s motives.
The charges of espionage have passed through first stage of judicial trial. Two more appellate stages are yet to be crossed but role of relationship warmth or lack of it can’t be underplayed. The final arbitrator will be the King when exercising his judgment over appeal for mercy. My guess is that he would pardon but after scoring a point. Mr. Modi will encash this in election for “successful arm-twisting” of Qatar & securing release. God Forbid, if no pardon is granted (highly unlikely), Mr. Modi will convert it into subtle campaign against “a community”. Unfortunately our foreign policy is no longer focused on international considerations. It is extension of domestic policies in foreign soil.
On a trivial note, Arabs don’t like the term “Persian gulf”. They love to call it “Arabian Gulf”.
Generally speaking , it is a set back for Indian image. They are still reeling from Canadian episode. This verdict perhaps will draw negative attention for Qatar due to severity and people involved. Death penalty regardless of crime is not what modern and civilized societies approve. Modi government will not let this happen on their watch. Some may label the endeavor politically motivated but their record of rescuing Indians each time from all over the world is consistent. Lastly , this will be a blow to Qatar to attract talented human capital. There may be mass exodus to other places. All developed countries with diminishing populations are actively promoting immigration for talented people.
My $0.02
Invaluable perspective.
My assessment is that relationship between India and GCC countries has acquired a new hue. The relationship of natural love is considerably substituted by relationship of convenience. The Arab intellectuals have grown suspicious of India’s motives.
The charges of espionage have passed through first stage of judicial trial. Two more appellate stages are yet to be crossed but role of relationship warmth or lack of it can’t be underplayed. The final arbitrator will be the King when exercising his judgment over appeal for mercy. My guess is that he would pardon but after scoring a point. Mr. Modi will encash this in election for “successful arm-twisting” of Qatar & securing release. God Forbid, if no pardon is granted (highly unlikely), Mr. Modi will convert it into subtle campaign against “a community”. Unfortunately our foreign policy is no longer focused on international considerations. It is extension of domestic policies in foreign soil.
On a trivial note, Arabs don’t like the term “Persian gulf”. They love to call it “Arabian Gulf”.
Thanks...... kindly see the addendum; it was just also published as a new article....
Foreign policy is always ( and oughta be) reflection and promotion of your economic / domestic policy.
Most countries in Arab world are inconsistent between Gulf and Arab terminology.