In the olden days, Qatari merchants used to head to the Indian coast to sell pearls and import many products, which created mutual cultural influences that have flourished ever since. In the modern era and since the 1970s, Qatar and India have shared strong diplomatic relations and remarkable bilateral co-operation, resulting in a strategic partnership between the two countries that included all aspects, including politics, economy, and culture. The bond is based on mutual interests, trust, respect, and fruitful cooperation, with both nations keen to propel these relations to new heights that meet the two peoples' aspirations.
In his official remarks in the Indian capital New Delhi Tuesday, His Highness the Amir emphasised the depth of historical relations between the two countries and reiterated that India is one of Qatar's most important economic partners. The Qatar-India relations have been remarkably evolving, particularly following His Highness the Amir's first state visit to India in March 2015, which gave a strong impetus to bilateral ties and laid the foundation for a new phase of relations. The discussions during this visit led to the signing of several agreements and resulted in a joint statement expressing satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations, which are further strengthened by regular high-level visits.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an official visit to Qatar in June 2016, followed by a second visit to Doha in February 2024. During these visits, His Highness the Amir and Prime Minister Modi held official talks on areas of cooperation, particularly in the economic, investment, development, and energy sectors, and exchanged views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Economically, India is Qatar's second-largest trading partner, with more than 20,000 Indian SMEs operating in Qatar, including both fully owned enterprises and joint venture companies. Trade and economic co-operation, along with mutual investments, form the cornerstone of the growing commercial ties between the two nations. The average trade exchange between the two countries has reached about $16bn annually in recent years, with Qatari energy exports to India constituting a significant portion of this exchange. Qatar is a vital partner in India's energy security, providing around 45% of India's LNG imports. On January 25, the 20th anniversary of the first Qatari LNG shipment to India's Petronet terminal was celebrated, and on Feb 4, the 2000th LNG shipment from Qatar was delivered, marking a significant milestone in the strong energy partnership between the two nations.
The relations between the two countries are also reinforced by a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding that regulate co-operation in defence, political, labour, investment, infrastructure, education, customs, health, tourism, youth, sports, and information exchange on money laundering and terrorism financing.
Addressing a Qatar-India Business Meeting in New Delhi Tuesday, HE the Chairman of Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani noted that bilateral trade between both countries witnessed remarkable growth over the past year, exceeding QR43.3bn in just 11 months.
In February last year, QatarEnergy entered into a 20-year LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with India’s Petronet LNG for the supply of 7.5mn tonnes per year (MTPY) of LNG destined to the Asia’s third largest economy. Pursuant the terms of the SPA, the contracted LNG volumes from Qatar will be delivered ex-ship to terminals across India onboard QatarEnergy’s vast LNG fleet, starting May 2028. Petronet first entered into an agreement for the supply of LNG from Qatar in 1999 for the delivery of 7.5 MTPY. It was followed in 2015 by another agreement for the supply of an additional 1MTPY of LNG, raising the total annual long-term volumes contracted between the two sides to 8.5MTPY.
In remarks welcoming the successful conclusion of the SPA last year, HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi said: “This agreement is another key milestone in the long-standing energy partnership between Qatar and India and comes on the heels of the 20th anniversary of the first LNG shipment to India.” According to Qatar’s ambassador to India, Mohammed Hassan Jabir al-Jabir, the two nations signed a long-term agreement (in February 2024) worth $78bn as a critical step toward exporting 7.5mn tonnes of Qatar’s LNG to India annually for 20 years starting from 2028.
India, the world's largest country by population and seventh-largest country by area, is strategically located near important trade routes. It is the fifth-largest economy globally, after the US, China, Japan, and Germany. With its vast potential, India attracts significant foreign investment, particularly in energy, technology, infrastructure, and agriculture. It should also be noted that Indian expatriates also comprise the single largest community in Qatar.
Indian media have confirmed that His Highness the Amir's visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening relations between Qatar and India to broader horizons. The visit underscores both nations' commitment to enhancing ties in economic, commercial, cultural, and other fields, with the aim of benefiting their peoples and fostering regional stability and development.
- falmudahka@gulf-times.com
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