India, Qatar forge strategic partnership
New Delhi, Feb 18: At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, undertook a State Visit to India on February 17-18, 2025. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, and business leaders. This was his second official visit to India, reinforcing the longstanding ties between the two nations.
The Amir received a grand ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan on February 18, hosted by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. A state banquet was held in his honour, highlighting the warmth of bilateral relations. The leaders engaged in extensive discussions at Hyderabad House, recalling historical trade linkages and people-to-people ties. The visit culminated in the signing of the ‘Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership,’ signalling a new era of enhanced cooperation.
The Strategic Partnership lays the foundation for deeper collaboration in multiple sectors, including trade, investment, security, energy, education, technology, sustainability, and cultural exchanges. The signing of the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and discussions on expediting the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty reflect mutual intent to foster economic engagement.
Economic cooperation remains a key pillar of the India-Qatar relationship. Both sides welcomed the elevation of the Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce into a Joint Commission, aimed at monitoring and expanding trade ties. Additionally, the first Joint Business Council meeting on February 13, 2025, highlighted the importance of industry collaboration. Plans to double bilateral trade by 2030 and explore a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) indicate a shared commitment to economic prosperity.
Qatar’s decision to open a Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) office in India was lauded, and both nations expressed satisfaction with progress made by the Joint Task Force on Investments. Qatar’s commitment to invest $10 billion in India, targeting infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, and logistics, signifies growing confidence in India's economic trajectory.
The two countries agreed to deepen financial integration, including discussions on bilateral trade settlements in local currencies. The operationalization of India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) at Qatar National Bank (QNB) outlets and the potential nationwide rollout in Qatar mark a significant step in digital financial connectivity. The expansion of QNB into India's GIFT City further strengthens economic ties.
Energy cooperation remains a priority, with both sides committing to mutual investments in energy infrastructure. Regular stakeholder meetings, including the Joint Task Force on Energy, will drive this collaboration forward.
The leaders also reaffirmed their stance against terrorism in all its forms, vowing to enhance intelligence sharing and law enforcement cooperation. Areas such as anti-money laundering, cybercrime, and transnational security threats were key discussion points, with an emphasis on regular meetings of the Joint Committee on Security and Law Enforcement.
India and Qatar acknowledged health as a crucial area of partnership, with India seeking to expand pharmaceutical exports and facilitate registrations for Indian medical firms in Qatar.
Education was another focal point, with both sides emphasizing academic exchanges, joint research, and university collaborations. Recognizing the significance of cultural diplomacy, India and Qatar committed to celebrating an India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship, and Sports in the near future. Enhanced cooperation in sports through training programs, tournaments, and athlete exchanges was also discussed.
People-to-People Ties and Manpower Mobility
With a significant Indian diaspora in Qatar, both sides expressed appreciation for their contributions. The Qatari leadership assured continued support for the welfare of the Indian community. Discussions on manpower mobility, labor rights, and employment conditions highlighted the commitment to strengthening human resource cooperation.
Both sides exchanged views on global and regional developments, particularly in the Middle East, emphasizing diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution. Qatar’s support for India-GCC cooperation was acknowledged, with both countries endorsing the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting in September 2024.
India and Qatar underscored the need for UN reforms, advocating a more representative and effective multilateral system. They also agreed to strengthen coordination in international forums and support each other’s candidatures to multilateral bodies.
Agreements and Future Prospects
Several agreements were signed during the visit, further cementing bilateral cooperation:
Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership
Revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
MoU on Financial and Economic Collaboration
MoU on Youth and Sports Cooperation
MoU on Archives and Document Management
MoU between Invest India and Invest Qatar
MoU between Confederation of Indian Industry and Qatari Businessmen Association
HH the Amir expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Indian government. Both leaders voiced optimism that this reinvigorated partnership would not only enhance bilateral cooperation but also contribute to regional stability and global progress.
