New Delhi: On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in bilateral discussions with Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. The dialogue focused on trade, investment, and energy, while also highlighting the historical trade connections and strong people-to-people relationships that exist between the two nations.
PM Modi expressed gratitude to the Emir for leading a significant delegation of prominent Qatari business figures during this visit.
India and Qatar have formalized an agreement to enhance their bilateral relationship into a strategic partnership.
During a special briefing, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized the need for both nations to aim for a doubling of bilateral trade within the next five years.
He noted that the Emir of Qatar is accompanied by a distinguished delegation that includes ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.
“The Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, last visited India in March 2015. During PM Modi's second visit in February 2024, he extended an invitation for a state visit to India. This morning, the Emir was welcomed by President of India Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he received a ceremonial reception. The President will meet with the Emir later today and host a banquet in his honor and that of his delegation. PM Modi conducted bilateral talks with the Emir at Hyderabad House, where both leaders reflected on the historical trade ties, deep-rooted people-to-people connections, and the strong bilateral relations between their countries,” Chatterjee stated.
India and Qatar have formalized their commitment to a strategic partnership by signing an agreement today. Key topics of discussion between the two leaders included trade, investment, and energy. Currently, the annual trade volume between India and Qatar stands at approximately $14 billion, with both parties aiming to double this figure within the next five years.
A senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted Qatar's significance as a key investment partner for India. The Qatar Investment Authority has made a foreign direct investment of around $1.5 billion in India, and both leaders pinpointed several sectors where this investment could be expanded. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to His Highness the Emir of Qatar for bringing a substantial delegation of prominent Qatari business leaders for discussions during this visit. A Joint Business Forum was convened today, co-chaired by the Ministers of Commerce and Industry from both nations, facilitating fruitful interactions among leading industrialists, companies, and institutions.
Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, arrived in Delhi on Monday for a two-day state visit, during which he engaged in talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a notable gesture, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the Emir at the Palam Technical Airport in the capital.
