Strengthening bilateral ties, India and Qatar have officially elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, marking a new milestone in diplomatic and economic cooperation. The agreement was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
The leaders discussed multiple critical issues, including the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis, regional security, and the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Qatar. Qatar, a major energy supplier to India, reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration in trade, investment, security, and energy sectors.
During the high-level talks, both nations signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and expressed their intent to accelerate negotiations for an investment promotion and protection pact. India also reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Key Outcomes of the Summit:
- Doubling Bilateral Trade: India and Qatar aim to increase trade volume to $28 billion.
- FTA Talks on the Horizon: Both sides are actively exploring a bilateral Free Trade Agreement.
- Security & Strategic Cooperation: India and Qatar plan to expand defense and security collaboration.
- Indian Diaspora & Pardons: Qatar acknowledged the presence of over 600 Indians in its prisons, with 85 receiving pardons in 2024.
- Commander Purnendu Tiwary’s Case: India continues diplomatic efforts for his release.
The visit, held just before the Arab states summit in Riyadh, also underscored the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region. With 38 Qatari business entities participating in a Joint Business Forum, the economic engagement between the two nations is set for a significant boost.
As India strengthens its ties across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—with similar strategic partnerships already signed with Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia—the India-Qatar pact signals a new era of collaboration and mutual growth in the region.
