The eight men were employed by a private company in Qatar

Indian officials have been granted consular access to eight former Indian Navy personnel detained in Qatar on unspecified charges, according to information shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday.

"The update that I have is today we got our second consular access, our Embassy officials were able to meet the detainees and ascertain their well-being and of course, we will continue to extend all possible consular assistance in this case," MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in response to a question at the weekly media briefing.

"Let me reiterate what we have been saying, we are seized of the matter, and our Embassy is actively pursuing this case. You mentioned the family members not being allowed visas, we are trying to facilitate that. I understand family members who are in Doha have been able to go there. We are trying to facilitate those who are here to go," said Bagchi.

The eight men have been held for almost four months and were employed by a private company owned that provides training and other services to Qatar's armed forces.