A Qatar court has dropped the death sentence for eight Indian former naval officers who were arrested last year, according to India’s foreign ministry. The men were accused of spying for Israel and had been condemned to death in October, but the court’s verdict reduced their sentences. The new penalty for the men has not been disclosed. India’s foreign ministry stated that they are working closely with the legal team and family members to determine the next steps and will continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities. The embassy of Qatar and Israel in New Delhi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. India had expressed shock at the initial sentence and had vowed to make efforts to secure the release of the ex-navy personnel. There are over 800,000 Indian citizens living and working in Qatar, which is also a significant provider of natural gas for India.