PM Modi holds bilateral discussions with Qatar’s Amir

New Delhi, Feb 15: On the second leg of his two-country West Asia visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in bilateral talks with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Amiri Palace in Doha.

The meeting, marked by warmth and hospitality, underlines the growing strategic and comprehensive relations between India and Qatar.

Welcomed with a ceremonial display and a guard of honour, Prime Minister Modi's reception signalled a significant moment in the enduring strategic ties between the two nations.

During the talks, which included both delegation-level and restricted discussions, a wide range of topics were covered.

These included economic cooperation, investments, energy partnerships, space collaboration, urban infrastructure, cultural bonds, and people-to-people ties.

Additionally, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, officials said.

Prime Minister Modi thanked the Amir for the care extended to the over 8 lakh-strong Indian community in Qatar.

He reiterated India's commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation and extended an invitation for the Amir to visit India at his earliest convenience.

In response, the Amir reciprocated the Prime Minister's sentiments, emphasising India's valued partnership in the Gulf.

He also commended the contributions of the vibrant Indian community to Qatar's development and their active participation in various international events hosted by Qatar.

The meeting concluded with a banquet lunch at the Amiri Palace, hosted in honour of PM Modi, further cementing the bonds between the two nations.

PM MODI MEETS FATHER AMIR OF QATAR

Thursday afternoon in Doha, PM Modi met with the Father Amir, Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

During their meeting, PM Modi extended his congratulations to the Father Amir for his visionary leadership, which had been instrumental in Qatar's development over the past decades.

The discussions between the two leaders centred on the relations between India and Qatar.

PM Modi expressed his appreciation for the insightful observations of the Father Amir on regional and global developments.

In turn, the Father Amir affirmed the enduring bond between India and Qatar, characterised by mutual trust and cooperation.

The Father Amir also took a moment to acknowledge the significant role played by the Indian community in Qatar's progress and in nurturing the bilateral partnership between the two nations.

INDIA-QATAR TIES ON UPHILL

In a message of optimism, PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of ties between India and Qatar.

In a post on X, he said, “My visit to Qatar has added new vigour to the India-Qatar friendship. India looks forward to scaling cooperation in key sectors relating to trade, investments, technology, and culture. I thank the government and people of Qatar for their hospitality.”

Following his meeting with the Amir of Qatar, PM Modi again shared his enthusiasm on X, posting, “Had a wonderful meeting with HH Sheikh @TamimBinHamad. We reviewed the full range of India-Qatar relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation across various sectors. Our nations also look forward to collaborating in futuristic sectors which will benefit our planet.”

Commenting on the productive meeting, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “A productive meeting between Prime Minister Modi and the Amir of Qatar in Doha.”

He said that the discussions encompassed various aspects aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, including trade and investment, energy cooperation, space collaboration, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties.

PM Modi thanked Amir Al Thani for the welfare of the Indian community in Qatar, reflecting the significance of their partnership.

He also met with the enthusiastic Indian diaspora late Wednesday night on his arrival.

PM Modi's meeting with Amir Al Thani exemplifies the commitment of both nations to fortify their strategic ties, with a shared vision for mutual growth and prosperity and broadening the trade basket. This was Modi’s second visit.

His first visit to the country was in 2016.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwarta in a press briefing highlighted the expanding trajectory of future partnerships in trade, investments, green energy, education, and space after two leaders’ meetings that have set the stage for a strategic, deep, and widening push for growth.

PM Modi's visit to Qatar marks a significant and comprehensive strategic partnership milestone in fortifying the relations between the two nations.

OTHER DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENTS IN QATAR

Before engaging in bilateral talks with the Amir of Qatar, PM Modi held discussions with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, delving into various avenues for expanding cooperation.

The agenda again encompassed trade, investment, energy, finance, and technology, reflecting a concerted effort to deepen ties between India and Qatar.

Both leaders emphasised the paramount importance of regional peace and stability, underscoring their shared commitment to fostering a secure and prosperous environment.

PM Modi, expressing his optimism about the meeting, took to X to share his sentiments, highlighting the constructive nature of the discussions.

In his post, he said, “Had a wonderful meeting with PM @MBA_AlThani. Our discussions revolved around ways to boost India-Qatar friendship." In response, Foreign Minister Al Thani echoed the sentiment, expressing eagerness to further strengthen cooperation and build upon the decades-long partnership between the two nations.”

PM Modi's visit to Qatar comes amid significant developments, including the release of eight former Indian Navy personnel who were imprisoned in Qatar.

This development underscores the effectiveness of diplomatic engagements in resolving complex issues and highlights the tangible outcomes that can emerge from robust bilateral relations.

The discussions held in Doha serve as a testament to India's commitment to nurturing its relationships with Gulf countries and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.

PM Modi’s two-nation visit to the UAE and Qatar signifies a strategic step towards enhancing and solidifying India's ties with key allies in the West Asia region.

By engaging proactively with Qatar and other Gulf nations, India aims to bolster its presence in the region and leverage mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and development.