Mashable: The statement stressed that matters pertaining to diplomacy and statecraft are best handled by competent leaders.

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has refuted recent claims suggesting his involvement in the release of eight Indian Navy veterans from Qatar. The actor's denial comes in response to former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy's assertions that Khan played a pivotal role in persuading Qatari authorities to release the Navy personnel detained on espionage charges.

Subramanian Swamy......... pic.twitter.com/NTQx4NIYI8

— RajBhaduriAviator (@RajBhads90) February 13, 2024
Swamy's remarks, made in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's X post, insinuated that Khan's intervention facilitated a resolution with Qatar, leading to the veterans' freedom. However, Shah Rukh Khan's team swiftly addressed these claims, labeling them as "unfounded." In a statement shared by Khan's manager Pooja Dadlni on Instagram, the actor's office emphasized that the successful resolution solely rested with Indian government officials, discrediting any involvement by Khan.

Furthermore, the statement stressed that matters pertaining to diplomacy and statecraft are best handled by competent leaders, affirming Khan's support for the Indian government's efforts in ensuring the safe return of the naval officers. This denial sought to dispel any misconceptions surrounding Khan's purported role in the release.

Shah Rukh Khan's recent presence in Qatar further fueled speculation, particularly after he attended the AFC Final as a special guest of honor. Pictures depicting Khan being greeted by Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani circulated online, prompting speculation regarding the nature of Khan's visit.

Qatar Prime Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani welcomes Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan as he attends AFC Final in Doha as Special Guest of Honor.
World’s biggest star for a reason @iamsrk #Qatar #ShahRukhKhan #Doha #Bollywood #SRK… pic.twitter.com/f5JcsDDZk2

— Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) February 11, 2024
In an update provided by the Ministry of External Affairs, it was revealed that seven out of the eight former Indian Navy personnel had returned to India from Qatar. The veterans had been detained in August 2022 on charges of espionage, accused by Qatari authorities of spying on a submarine. Following their incarceration, efforts were made to secure their release, culminating in their eventual return to India.