An Indian submarine firm, Dahra Global Technologies, was made to cease all operations in the Gulf state after authorities in Doha found eight staff and former members of the Indian Navy guilty of passing on sensitive documents to Israel in August 2022. While appearing to be an ally to some countries in the Gulf, India works against their interests. India’s attempt to throw Qatar’s naval modernization plans under the bus is one example of New Delhi’s double game and its offensive strategic maritime ambitions.
According to the Qatari authorities, these spies belong to Indian intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). They have passed Israel details of Qatar’s secret program to buy advanced submarines, such as the U-212, from Italy.
Germany and Italy jointly developed the U-212 submarines for a joint submarine program. The submarine provides stealth features, advanced weaponry payload, and long-range capabilities. Notably, the submarine is equipped with an advanced Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, providing significant underwater endurance during extended periods, and enhancing its stealth capabilities. Moreover, incorporating advanced sensor systems, including sonar and periscopes, contributes to its superior effectiveness in surveillance and detection operations. These core aspects and modernized capabilities make it a focal point of espionage activities. Such an advanced submarine becomes a daunting asset for maritime operations and has thus become a subject of security strategies pursued by India and Israel vis-à-vis Qatari national security interests. India perceives Qatar’s U-212 submarine technology as having the potential of altering the balance of power and intensifying the naval competition in the region.
The initiative of a state to enhance national security and achieve a strong position in the region demands efforts across all domains, especially in military technologies. Recognizing the importance of robust indigenous defense capabilities, Qatar aims to reduce its dependence on others and position itself as a regional player while protecting its strategic interests. This interest revolves around reducing tensions and promoting humanitarian goals in Afghanistan and Israel.
While Qatar maintains diplomatic ties with Israel, it also supports Palestinian cause and humanitarian efforts in the Palestinian territories as well as the fight against terrorism to foster stability in the region. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has often been a bone of contention between Qatar and Israel. At the same time, Qatar has formed a strong alliance with the US and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on defense and security matters while maintaining connections with various non-governmental groups. Therefore, for Qatar, the submarine program U212 is one of the crucial defense projects.
Amid Qatar’s strategic journey towards enhancing its national security and achieving a robust regional position, the revelation of Indian espionage targeting Qatar’s submarine program raises serious concerns. Espionage on a friendly state’s defense projects may serve various interests, including gaining a competitive edge, weakening defense systems, or acquiring intelligence to benefit own national interests.
This Indian activity also reflects the influence of the ancient ideology of Indian strategic culture based on the importance of spying for numerous reasons, such as identifying national security vulnerabilities, observing shifts in power dynamics, and analyzing strategic advantages. However, spying on one partner state against another is an interesting phenomenon that calls for some contemplation.
In this case, the India-Israel relationship is characterized by growing strategic and defense cooperation, including defense technology transfers, intelligence sharing, and joint military exercises. Indian espionage may be driven by a desire to gain a competitive advantage, weaken Qatari defense capabilities, or acquire valuable information to benefit Israeli national interests.
From another vantage point, India’s possession of nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarines provides it an edge in securing an offensive position in the Afro-Asian Ocean. India’s persistent pursuit of regional hegemonic policies has contributed to its ongoing military modernization and adventures like espionage in Qatar. Indian espionage in Qatar can be a reflection of Indian perception about Qatar’s development of naval capabilities and the potential challenge to New Delhi’s plans of action in the Afro-Asian Ocean.
The timely discovery of Indian espionage has opened up a pandora’s box, presenting numerous challenges for Qatar and its neighbors. Qatar must address the breach in its security apparatus, strengthen counterintelligence capabilities, and reassess its diplomatic relations with the perpetrating state. Timely action is imperative to mitigate risks and protect national security interests. Neighboring countries to India, such as Pakistan, already face challenges in recalibrating their security policies to respond to growing Indian advancements in spying and its involvement in intra-regional security dynamics. Pakistan has repeatedly spotted a network of Indian espionage responsible for terrorism in the county.
A state can win trust through actions, not empty words, and India needs to learn this lesson. Maintaining regional stability, diplomatic relationships, and cooperation is paramount within the complex security landscape. Understanding the dynamics at play and addressing the challenges posed by these developments will be crucial for Qatar and the world.
About the Author
Mr Muhammad Ali Baig is a Research Officer at the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad.
