Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited HH the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
This was the Amir’s second state visit to India.
Key Outcomes of India-Qatar Summit 2025:
- Strategic Partnership Agreement:
- India and Qatar signed the Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership.
- Emphasis on regular cooperation across key sectors: political, trade, investment, security, energy, culture, and technology.
- Trade and Economic Cooperation:
- Bilateral Trade Target: Both nations aim to double bilateral trade from USD 14 billion to USD 28 billion in the next 5 years.
- Joint Commission: Elevation of the Joint Working Group on Trade to a Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce.
- Investment: Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced a USD 10 billion investment in India.
- Agreements Signed:
- Revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
- MoUs on economic collaboration, youth and sports, documents and archives, and business partnerships.
- Investment and Business Cooperation:
- QIA’s Office in India: Welcomed the decision to open a QIA office in India.
- Joint Task Force on Investments: Progress made in fostering investment opportunities.
- Energy Cooperation:
- Both sides emphasized expanding energy cooperation and investments in energy infrastructure.
- Security and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation:
- Combating terrorism: Strong commitment to counterterrorism efforts, including intelligence sharing and cooperation in law enforcement.
- Cybersecurity: Discussions on strengthening cooperation in cybersecurity, combating online terrorism and radicalization.
- Health, Technology, and Innovation:
- Health: Collaboration on pharmaceutical exports, medical devices, and health cooperation.
- Technology: Strengthening cooperation in emerging technologies and startups.
- Artificial Intelligence and e-Governance: Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in these sectors.
- Cultural and People-to-People Ties:
- The India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship, and Sports was announced to strengthen cultural exchanges.
- Indian Community in Qatar: Appreciation for the Indian community’s contribution to Qatar’s development.
- E-visa Facility: Extension of e-visa facility by India to Qatari nationals.
- Regional and Global Cooperation:
- UN Reforms: Both sides emphasized the need for UN reforms, particularly in the Security Council, and coordinated efforts on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- India-GCC Cooperation: Qatar expressed full support for enhancing India-GCC cooperation, especially under the India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting.
- Documents Signed:
- Agreement on Bilateral Strategic Partnership.
- Revised Double Taxation Agreement.
- MoUs on youth & sports, economic collaboration, business ties, and investment.
Challenges & Differences:
- Trade Imbalance: India imports $12 billion in LNG and LPG, but exports remain under $2 billion.
- Labour Welfare Issues: Concerns regarding conditions for Indian laborers in Qatar, especially in construction.
- Geopolitical Sensitivities: Qatar’s diplomatic role in West Asian conflicts, including Israel-Hamas negotiations.
- Judicial & Legal Hurdles: 600 Indians in Qatari jails, with pending agreements on the transfer of sentenced persons.
- Naval Veterans Case: One Indian Navy officer still detained, affecting bilateral ties.
Way Ahead:
- Enhancing Indian Exports: Focus on high-value sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods to balance trade.
- Investment Acceleration: Expedite the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty to streamline FDI flows.
- Improving Labour Protections: Strengthen agreements to improve working conditions for Indian labourers.
- Expanding Energy Partnership: Collaborate on green hydrogen, carbon capture, and renewable energy projects.
- Strengthening Diplomatic & Security Ties: Increase ministerial exchanges to foster regional cooperation.
India-Qatar relations have entered a new phase of strategic partnership, emphasizing energy, trade, and technology. By addressing challenges and diversifying economic engagement, both nations aim to build a long-term, mutually beneficial collaboration, fostering regional stability and economic growth.
