Prime Minister Modi greeted Qatar’s Emir Al-Thani at Delhi airport, bypassing protocol on February 17. They discussed trade, investment, energy, and technology during his two-day state visit. This was Al-Thani’s second visit to India; his first was in March 2015.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the importance of enhancing India-Qatar cooperation as he welcomed the emir. Al-Thani received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and later met with Modi at Hyderabad House. Both leaders expressed joy over signing the ‘Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership’ and reiterated their commitment to bolster relations in various areas like politics, trade, security, energy, culture, education, and technology.
Qatar and India aim to boost trade through a potential bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, targeting to double bilateral trade by 2030, as stated in a joint press release. They will prioritize market access and explore enhanced trade strategies.
India and Qatar have a $20 billion trade relationship, with Qatar as India’s top LNG and LPG supplier. India exports cereals, machinery, and textiles to Qatar. They have strong defense ties, including naval activities and joint defense events. Over 840,000 Indian expatriates work in various fields in Qatar. Additionally, 15,000 Indian companies operate in Qatar with $450 million in investments.
An ongoing concern involves eight ex-Indian navy personnel detained in Doha in Aug 2022 for espionage. Delhi intervened to commute their death sentences; seven were freed last February. Qatar’s role has expanded, acting as a mediator for Israel and Hamas and hosting talks with the Taliban, boosting its importance for both India and wider West Asia’s security.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
Leave a Reply