India will have the honour to receive His Highness the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Feb 17-18, 2025 on a state visit. This will be the second state visit of His Highness to India, the first being in 2015. Since the first visit of His Highness a lot has changed in the region and the world. Today, the world stands at the cusp of a huge technological revolution being brought by Artificial Intelligence and other technologies with transformative potential for humankind. Yet at the same time the regional conflicts have intensified.
In all this, India and Qatar have been resilient in their economic growths and in deepening their historic and multifaceted ties. The trade and investment relations between the two countries have been robust and long-term energy partnership renewed for several more years. Qatar has emerged as a significant diplomatic voice for resolving various conflicts and humanitarian situations. Its successful hosting of FIFA 2022 and other international sporting events has also brought joy to the Indian community. Both countries also supported each other during the tough times of Covid-19.
It is now time for both countries to build on their friendly ties and take them to another level. The visit of His Highness the Amir to India will prove to be a landmark in this regard.
Over the last decade, under the inspiring leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Prime Minister Modi, the political relations between both countries have remained strong. PM Modi paid visits to Qatar in 2016 and 2024. Both leaders also met on the sidelines of international meetings and kept in touch on phone especially during the Covid pandemic. The last year has seen intense ministerial contacts, especially between Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. These meetings have enabled both sides to exchange views on taking forward the bilateral relationship and discuss important regional and international issues.
Trade has always been a strong pillar of relations between India and Qatar. In ancient times trade was dominated by spices and pearls while in modern times many new items have been added to the list, especially energy exports from Qatar to India. Our bilateral trade today stands at about $14-15bn annually. The Indian exports include a variety of goods, including foodstuffs like rice, spices, tea and meat as well as engineering products and electronic items. We believe that there is significant potential for enhancing trade between the two countries. Initiatives such as the recently held inaugural meeting of Joint Business Council should help by bringing together businessmen and ideas of both countries on one platform. Services is also an important facet of bilateral trade which should continue to grow.
Government of India has given a lot of attention to Ease of Doing Business by opening almost all sectors for foreign investments and simplifying laws. This has enabled greater FDI into India, reaching the level of $1tn. Qatari FDI in India has also grown and reached at least $1.5bn covering sectors such as retail, power, education, IT, health and affordable housing. There are a huge number of opportunities for profitable investments in India as the country continues to grow at 6-7%. This could include sectors such as infrastructure, gas infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, EVs, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Indians have also made substantial investments in Qatar’s economy, with over 20,000 SMEs registered in their names.
With both Indian and Qatari economies expected to register good growth in coming years there is scope for further enhancing our economic partnership. The focus on technology, innovation and sustainability in the policies of both countries also provides exciting potential. India has one of the largest ecosystems of start-ups in the world utilising technology like AI in diverse fields like health, bio-sciences, finance, space, agriculture, logistics, transport, entertainment and education. Some of the Indian start-ups are part of Web Summits in Qatar and opportunities provided by them can be leveraged. The conversations during the upcoming visit will provide further guidance for cementing co-operation in these areas.
Energy partnership between India and Qatar was renewed in February 2024 when both countries signed a contract for continuing supply of 7.5mn tonnes of LNG from Qatar to India for 20 years from 2028 when the current deal ends. The contract is estimated worth $78bn. There have also been other deals for LNG and naphtha supplies this year. Both countries have significant synergy for enhanced energy co-operation as India is targeting 15% share of gas in its energy mix and Qatar raising its LNG production to 142mn tonnes. The energy ministers of both countries met at India Energy Week earlier this month continuing the important dialogue on energy issues.
The people-to-people and cultural ties provide the foundational connect between India and Qatar. One manifestation of this is the presence of a large Indian community in Qatar whose contribution is well appreciated by the Qatari leadership and society. The Indian leadership has always expressed gratitude to Qatar for the support it provides to the Indian community. Qatar itself has become a hub of culture, education, research and sports. The co-operation between both countries in these areas should strengthen especially with focus on our youth. With good connectivity, travel and tourism between India and Qatar is already strong but could be further developed.
The visit of His Highness the Amir will also provide a valuable occasion to both sides to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. Qatar has played an important diplomatic role in various conflicts and its efforts in bringing about a deal for Gaza ceasefire and release of hostages is well appreciated. India has always advocated dialogue and diplomacy for resolving issues. Both countries also work together in various international forums.
As we eagerly look forward to the visit of His Highness the Amir to India, it is certain that our relationship is set to soar to newer heights in the years to come. Qatar will be one of the foremost partners for India in its quest for development and becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’ or developed India by 2047.
Indian ambassador Vipul
