Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 17 broke protocol by personally receiving Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, at New Delhi’s airport. This rare and symbolic move—usually reserved for the closest of allies—was followed by a warm handshake and a direct message on X, where Modi called the Qatari leader his “brother.”
Bharat and Qatar have officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’, setting ambitious economic and geopolitical goals for the future.
“Had a very productive meeting with my brother, Amir of Qatar H H Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Under his leadership, Qatar has scaled new heights of progress. He is also committed to a strong Bharat-Qatar friendship. This visit is even more special because we have elevated our ties to a Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi posted on X.
Had a very productive meeting with my brother, Amir of Qatar H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, earlier today. Under his leadership, Qatar has scaled new heights of progress. He is also committed to a strong India-Qatar friendship. This visit is even more special because we… pic.twitter.com/XQXM7ZkS6N
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2025
PM Modi and Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, held what was described as “very productive” bilateral talks, culminating in a landmark agreement aimed at doubling trade to $28 billion by 2030, boosting energy cooperation, and deepening security ties.
Historic trade expansion—Aiming for $28 billion by 2030
Bilateral trade between Bharat and Qatar currently stands at over $14 billion annually—a figure that both nations have agreed to double within the next five years. “Trade featured prominently in our talks. We want to increase and diversify Bharat-Qatar trade linkages. Our nations can also work closely in sectors like energy, technology, healthcare, food processing, pharma, and green hydrogen,” PM Modi stated.
To accelerate investment and economic ties, both sides agreed on:
- Upgrading the Joint Working Group on Trade into a Joint Commission—to monitor and boost economic cooperation.
- Expediting negotiations on the Bharat-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty—to remove barriers and attract major capital flows.
- Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to open an office in Bharat—a move expected to unlock $10 billion in fresh investments across infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.
Secretary (CPV & OIA) in MEA, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, reinforced this economic commitment:
“The trade today between Bharat and Qatar is over $14 billion annually. Both sides have agreed to set a target to double this in the next five years. Qatar is also an important partner for investments in Bharat. Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund currently has about $1.5 billion in FDI in Bharat, but both leaders today identified a number of areas in which QIA can significantly increase its investments.”
Strategic Partnership Agreement—What it means for Bharat
The Strategic Partnership Agreement signed during this visit expands cooperation in energy, security, investment, technology, and cultural exchange.
Key takeaways:
- Energy Security—Qatar remains Bharat’s largest supplier of LNG, accounting for 48 per cent of its LNG imports. The new agreement ensures long-term energy supply stability.
- Defence & Security Cooperation—Enhanced intelligence sharing, counterterrorism collaboration, and cybersecurity measures to combat transnational crimes.
- Financial Integration—Qatar’s QNB Bank to expand operations in Bharat and introduce Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in Qatari markets.
- Pharma & Food Security—Bharat to boost exports of pharmaceutical products and food grains to Qatar, ensuring stable supply chains.
Why Qatar matters more than ever
Beyond trade and energy, defence cooperation has become a key pillar of Bharat-Qatar relations. The Bharatiya Navy and Coast Guard regularly conduct joint exercises with their Qatari counterparts, and New Delhi has supplied defence technology and training to the Qatari military.
Qatar, which sits at the crossroads of some of the world’s most volatile geopolitical fault lines, has become an essential strategic partner for Bharat.
With Doha playing a key role in Middle Eastern diplomacy—hosting Taliban negotiations, brokering Israel-Hamas talks, and managing Gulf rivalries—Bharat’s engagement with Qatar is now an essential part of its West Asia strategy. “The Gulf region is Bharat’s extended neighbourhood. Our growing ties with Qatar reflect a broader strategic vision for economic resilience and security cooperation,” a senior diplomat stated.
Ex-Bharatiya Navy Officers’ Case
Even as PM Modi and Al Thani exchanged warm words, a shadow loomed over the diplomatic bonhomie—the case of the ex-Bharatiya Navy officers jailed in Qatar. Last year, eight former naval personnel were sentenced to death in Qatar on charges of espionage. Following intense diplomatic intervention, their sentences were commuted, and seven were released and brought back to Bharat last week. However, one officer remains in Qatari custody, a fact that has not gone unnoticed.
MEA officials did not disclose whether the matter was formally discussed in Modi’s meeting with Al Thani. However, sources indicate that the fate of the last detained officer remains a delicate point of negotiation. “We welcome the return of our seven men, but our work is not done until every Bharatiya is back home,” a senior Bharatiya Navy officer stated on condition of anonymity.
President Murmu’s grand banquet
President Droupadi Murmu extended a warm welcome to Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, during his visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President greeted him in front of the iconic Rampurva Bull at the steps of the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt.
In a post on X, Rashtrapati Bhavan wrote, “A warm welcome for a special friend! President Droupadi Murmu received His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a special gesture, President Murmu welcomed and greeted him in front of the iconic Rampurva Bull at the steps of the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt. The President also hosted a banquet in his honour.”
The post added, “The Vice President, Prime Minister and other dignitaries, including members of the high-level delegation from Qatar attended the banquet. Speaking on the occasion, the President recalled the deep and historic ties between Bharatand Qatar and expressed satisfaction at the deepening of bilateral relations and establishment of strategic partnership between the two countries.”
A warm welcome for a special friend!
President Droupadi Murmu received His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a special gesture, President Murmu welcomed and greeted him in front of the iconic Rampurva Bull at the steps… pic.twitter.com/q0MEH9G129— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 18, 2025
President Murmu, said that Amir of the Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s state visit to Bharat will open a new chapter in the two country’s long-standing and multifaceted relations.
Welcoming Al Thani on his second State Visit to Bharat, the President said that Bharat’s relations with Qatar are steeped in history, spanning centuries. Qatar has been an integral part of West Asia’s linkages of commerce and culture with Bharat.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and his delegation on his second State Visit to Bharat,” the President said.
“Your visit is an important milestone in our historical ties and friendship. The two countries share a special bond which is very close and vibrant. Traditional sailing vessels, known as ‘Dhow’, have linked the two countries for centuries, exchanging traditions, goods, ideas and cultural values,” she added.
Further, she also eloquently highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Bharat and Qatar.
“From the days when our dhows sailed across the Arabian Sea, to the biryani and ‘Kadak chai’ we both cherish today—Bharat and Qatar have been bound by history, trade, and friendship,” President Murmu stated. She also acknowledged the contributions of the 8.4 lakh strong Bharatiya community in Qatar, many of whom play pivotal roles in healthcare, construction, finance, and education.
Amir of Qatar acknowledges Bharatiya Community’s role in strengthening bilateral ties
The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, expressed his deep appreciation for the Bharatiya community in Qatar, recognising its contributions to the country’s social and cultural development and its role as a bridge between Bharatand Qatar.
Speaking on the strengthening bilateral relations, the Amir highlighted the significant progress achieved in recent years, particularly in the energy sector. “Last year, we witnessed remarkable advancements in our cooperation, especially in the energy sector, with the signing of an important agreement between our two countries in trade and mutual investments. Additionally, our countries reached an agreement to establish a strategic partnership, reflecting our strong commitment to expanding cooperation in various fields and deepening the ties between our peoples,” he said.
He further emphasised the crucial role of the Bharatiya diaspora in Qatar, stating, “In this context, I would like to express my appreciation for the Bharatiya community in Qatar, which plays a vital role in the social and cultural development of our country and serves as a social bridge between our two friendly nations.”
The Amir also praised Bharat’s rapid economic growth and technological advancements, expressing confidence in its continued progress. “As we observe Bharat’s remarkable achievements across various sectors, we are confident that the Bharat’s economy will continue to thrive in the coming decades,” he remarked.
Reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, he underscored the importance of renewable energy in shaping future strategies between the two nations. “Building on our historical ties and shared interests, we are committed to providing reliable and secure energy sources, with renewable energy cooperation forming an essential part of our future strategies,” he added.
With this visit, it is evident that Bharat’s West Asia diplomacy is entering a new phase. By strengthening ties with Qatar, New Delhi is consolidating its influence in the Gulf, ensuring energy security, and deepening economic cooperation. This new ‘Strategic Partnership’ sends a clear message to the world—Bharat is no longer just a Gulf trading partner but a key geopolitical player.
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