Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 18, 2025. The meeting aimed to enhance bilateral relations between India and Qatar, focusing on trade, investment, energy, and technology. The Emir arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a two-day state visit. Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed him at Palam Technical Airport, referring to him as a brother and expressing his hopes for a productive visit. The following day, the Emir was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi.

Accompanying the Emir was a high-level Qatari delegation consisting of ministers, senior officials, and business representatives, underlining the deepening economic and trade cooperation between the two nations. During the talks, India and Qatar signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership, further strengthening their diplomatic and economic ties. Additionally, a revised agreement was exchanged to prevent fiscal evasion and eliminate double taxation, reinforcing efforts to facilitate smoother financial transactions between the two countries. The Indian community in Qatar plays a crucial role in the country’s progress, being the largest expatriate group there. Their contribution to Qatar’s economic and social development remains an important aspect of bilateral relations, and both nations continue to explore ways to support and strengthen their engagement.

Key areas of discussion during the bilateral meeting included trade and economic cooperation, where both sides explored strategies to diversify trade, boost investments, and address market access issues. Enhancing connectivity was also a focal point, with an emphasis on improving the utilization of ports and transport corridors to facilitate smoother trade and movement. Technology and innovation featured prominently in the discussions, with a focus on expanding cooperation in digital trade, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The leaders also discussed ways to streamline regulatory processes to promote collaboration in these sectors.

Global and regional issues were another key agenda, with India and Qatar sharing perspectives on critical developments, including the situation in Afghanistan and their cooperation in international forums such as the G20 and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). Additionally, people-to-people relations were highlighted as an area for improvement, with discussions centered on enhancing business ties, addressing skill gaps, and improving workforce mobility. Defense and security cooperation was also a major point of discussion, covering military exchanges, joint exercises, and training programs to bolster strategic ties. Environmental and climate-related issues of mutual interest were also addressed, as both countries seek to collaborate on sustainability and climate change initiatives. The Emir’s visit underscores the historically close ties and ongoing collaboration between India and Qatar. His last visit to India was in March 2015, and this trip further reinforces the commitment of both nations to deepening their partnership across multiple sectors.

Disclaimer: This Image is taken from DD India.