These individuals, all ex-Navy personnel had been sentenced to death following their arrest in August 2022 in charges of espionage.

"Had a wonderful meeting with PM @MBA_AlThani. Our discussions revolved around ways to boost India-Qatar friendship," Modi said in a post on X after the meeting. Earlier, the external affairs ministry said Modi held "fruitful" talks with the prime minister of Qatar.

Expressing joy and gratitude over returning home and being reunited with his family after spending months in captivity in the tiny gulf nation, he also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for their release.

Speculation that Shah Rukh, who enjoys massive popularity in Qatar and recently met the country's prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha during an event, played a role in the release of the jailed Indians was rife on Tuesday.

The individuals released have been identified as Captains (retired) Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders (retired) Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, SK Gupta, BK Verma, and Sugunakar Pakala, along with sailor Ragesh.