Amidst reports circulating about Shah Rukh Khan’s alleged involvement in the release of Indian Navy veterans from Qatar, the office of the Bollywood superstar issued a statement on Tuesday categorically refuting any such claims. The statement emphasized that Shah Rukh Khan had no part in the resolution of the matter and underscored that the successful execution of the release rested solely with the Indian government officials.
The statement from Shah Rukh Khan’s office reiterated that matters pertaining to diplomacy and statecraft are best handled by competent government authorities. It highlighted that, like many other Indians, Shah Rukh Khan was pleased to hear of the safe return of the naval officers and extended his best wishes to them.
This clarification from Shah Rukh Khan’s office came in response to statements made by senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy earlier in the day. Swamy had suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take Shah Rukh Khan along with him to Qatar, implying that the Bollywood actor played a role in securing the release of the former Indian naval officers from Qatar jail. However, Shah Rukh Khan’s office firmly dismissed these assertions.
The comments by Subramanian Swamy were made in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. In a tweet, Swamy suggested that Modi had sought Shah Rukh Khan’s intervention after diplomatic efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs and the National Security Advisor failed to yield results. He insinuated that Khan’s involvement led to a favorable settlement from the Qatari authorities, resulting in the release of the naval officers.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his two-day visit to the UAE and Qatar, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations between India and these nations. His itinerary included various engagements, such as inaugurating the first Hindu temple in UAE, addressing the Indian community, and participating in the World Government Summit 2024.
During his visit to the UAE, Prime Minister Modi held extensive discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to advance the strategic partnership between the two countries. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the deepening ties between India and the UAE across various sectors.
Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the World Government Summit 2024 underscores India’s commitment to global cooperation and governance. He is slated to deliver a special keynote address at the summit, further showcasing India’s engagement on the world stage.
Overall, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE and Qatar signifies India’s dedication to strengthening diplomatic relations, fostering economic cooperation, and promoting global dialogue on key issues. As India continues to expand its diplomatic footprint, such visits play a vital role in enhancing bilateral and multilateral partnerships for mutual benefit and progress.