Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his gratitude to Qatar Emir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani who ordered release of several prisoners for Ramadan, including 23 Indians.

Prime Minister Modi, who is in Washington on a bilateral visit at the invitation of President Barack Obama tweeted “A special gesture to mark the start of a special month...the Government of Qatar releases 23 prisoners, who will return home to India. My deepest gratitude to the Emir of Qatar for the gesture.”  


Official figures of prisoners is yet to be reveled. Prisoners, typically hail from nations that have a lot of nationals including India, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Philippines.

Those who are freed have usually already served a significant portion of their jail terms and the pardons are seen as a sign of goodwill toward Qatar’s large expat population, said embassy officials.

Nearly 100 people were pardoned during Ramadan for crimes related to theft, possession of drugs and fraud, among other crimes in previous years.

Prime Minister Modi concluded his visit to Qatar on Sunday, where he held meetings with business leaders and the Emir of Qatar. He also signed agreements followed by lunch hosted by the Emir. After lunch he held meeting with the father Emir and also interacted with the Indian community.

Also Read: Pakistan frees Indian prisoners

By M. Divya Shri