New Delhi, Mar 16 (UNI) India said on Thursday it attaches high priority to the matter of the early return and repatriation of eight former Indian Navy officers who have been detained in Qatar since August last year.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, asked about the fate of the eight retired Indian Navy officers, said:

“We attach high priority to the matter. There are continuous efforts by our embassy for resolution of the matter so that early return and repatriation can take place of the detained Indian nationals.

“Our embassy has been seeking consular access. I think one more request is pending so that they can ascertain the well-being and welfare of our nationals; and the family meetings and the family visits are continuing to be facilitated.

“Overall, the government remains fully seized of the matter,” he added.

The eight former Indian Navy officers were reportedly arrested on August 30 in Doha by Qatar’s intelligence agency. They had been working for a Qatar-based company for the last few years.

Qatari authorities have eight times rejected the bail pleas filed for the release of the men.

The retired naval officers have been kept under solitary confinement, according to reports.

They were employed by a private company, Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services in Doha, and were involved in training the Qatari Navy, according to a report.