India-Qatar Relations Deepen as PM Modi and Amir Discuss Investment, FTA, and Security

India-Qatar relations have officially advanced to a strategic partnership following extensive discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The talks focused on expanding cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, energy, and security. A significant outcome of the meeting was Qatar’s commitment to investing $10 billion in India, with the Qatar Investment Authority set to establish an office in the country.

Additionally, both nations discussed the possibility of signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and agreed to double their current bilateral trade of $14 billion within the next five years. Apart from the strategic partnership, six other agreements were signed, including a revised agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and another aimed at financial and economic collaboration. The leaders also emphasised the importance of expediting negotiations for an India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Regional and Security Cooperation in India-Qatar Relations

Qatar becomes the fifth Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, after the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, to establish a strategic partnership with India. The leaders also addressed the evolving geopolitical landscape in West Asia, particularly the ongoing situation in Gaza. Both sides reiterated their support for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve conflicts. Qatar remains a crucial player in ceasefire efforts, while India has reaffirmed its stance on the two-state solution amidst evolving proposals for Gaza’s future.

Both nations also strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, and agreed to enhance collaboration through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. This includes cooperation in intelligence sharing, law enforcement, anti-money laundering, countering drug trafficking, and combating cybercrime. The discussions further extended to enhancing cybersecurity cooperation, with a focus on preventing the misuse of cyberspace for terrorism and radicalisation.

Investment and Cultural Exchange Initiatives in India-Qatar Relations

Qatar expressed appreciation for India’s efforts in fostering a favourable environment for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Institutional Investment (FII). It highlighted potential investment opportunities across various sectors, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, and hospitality. India, in turn, recognised Qatar’s growing role as a regional hub for trade and services due to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and business-friendly policies.

The two sides also explored the potential for a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Qatar, alongside ongoing negotiations for an India-GCC FTA. Additionally, important agreements were reached on extending India’s e-Visa facility for Qatari nationals, operationalising India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Qatar, and celebrating a dedicated Year of Culture and Friendship between the two nations.

Further strengthening diplomatic engagement, the establishment of Joint Ministerial Commissions at the level of Foreign and Commerce Ministers was announced, along with plans to deepen energy partnerships through trade and mutual investments. These developments mark a significant milestone in India-Qatar relations, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors.