Context: The Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, made a state visit to India in February, 2025. During this visit, India and Qatar elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, investment, security and international forums.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Bilateral Relations: India-Qatar.
Key Highlights of India-Qatar Strategic Partnership
- Strategic Partnership Agreement:
- India and Qatar have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. This brings Qatar on par with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, all of which have strategic partnerships with India.
- Economic Cooperation and Investment:
- Qatar has committed to invest USD 10 billion in India, with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) planning to open an office in India.
- India is Qatar’s second largest trading partner, with bilateral trade of about $14 billion in 2024. The two countries have set a target to double bilateral trade to $28 billion by 2030.
- The countries have agreed to explore an India-Qatar Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
- The countries have signed a revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and five MoUs on economic collaboration, youth and sports, archives and investments.
- Both sides are exploring opportunities to increase investments in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, hospitality and other areas of mutual interest.
- Energy Partnership:
- India and Qatar are deepening their energy partnership through trade and mutual investments. Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India, accounting for over 48% of India's global LNG imports.
- An agreement between Qatar Energy and Petronet LNG Limited ensures the supply of 7.5 million metric tonnes per annum of LNG to India for 20 years starting in 2028.
- Bilateral Mechanisms:
- The establishment of two Joint Ministerial Commissions, at the level of Foreign Ministers and Ministers of Commerce and Industry, to strengthen cooperation has also taken place.
Other Key Outcomes
- Extension of the Indian e-Visa facility for Qatari nationals.
- India and Qatar have agreed to celebrate a Year of Culture, Friendship, and Sports in the near future.
- Operationalisation of India's UPI at Qatar National Bank (QNB) Point of Sales in Qatar.
- Expansion of Qatar National Bank's presence in India by setting up an office in the GIFT City.
Areas of Discussion
- Middle East Peace Process: Discussions between the two leaders also included the Middle East peace process, with both sides appreciating each other's positions on the Israel-Hamas issue.
- Terrorism: They also unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, agreeing to cooperate in combating this menace through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
- UN reforms: Both leaders emphasised the importance of a reformed and effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges.
Qatar is a key strategic partner for India due to its geopolitical location, economic potential, energy resources, and a large Indian diaspora.