To Save Indian Navy Heroes In Qatar:
Diplomat Deepak Mittal, recognized as a trusted aide of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been tasked with spearheading the country’s efforts to aid eight former Indian Navy personnel who have been handed a death sentence by a court in Qatar. Mittal, a seasoned Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1998 batch, previously served as India’s ambassador to Qatar. Currently serving in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mittal has built a reputation for his deft handling of sensitive assignments, including leading India’s initial diplomatic engagement with the Taliban and playing a role in the defense of Kulbhushan Jadhav at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Under the guidance of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Mittal’s strategy is twofold. Firstly, the plan involves providing legal support for an appeal in a higher court. Secondly, he aims to approach Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, seeking a potential pardon. Given the strong economic ties between India and Qatar, particularly in the realm of liquefied natural gas imports, there is a hopeful anticipation that the Emir might consider showing leniency.
Meanwhile, a growing rift between the Rajasthan state Congress unit and DesignBoxed, a private company managing the party’s publicity for the ongoing assembly elections, has escalated and reached the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in New Delhi. Allegations have surfaced that DesignBoxed has disproportionately focused on Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his government’s initiatives, neglecting the proper representation of Congress central leaders in the publicity materials. Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra reportedly engaged in a confrontation with DesignBoxed’s owner, Naresh Arora, regarding the campaign strategy. Dotasra emphasized that while private companies were hired to support the party’s campaign, they should not assume a role in dictating the party’s direction. The AICC is expected to undertake an evaluation of the extent of the company’s involvement in the party’s ongoing campaign initiatives.