Desk:Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has arrived in India for a two-day visit, marking his second visit in the last 10 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed him at New Delhi airport. The Emir is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, and a business delegation. This visit aims to strengthen bilateral trade and investment between India and Qatar.
The last time Sheikh Tamim visited India was in March 2015. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit will “further enhance the growing partnership between the two nations.” Discussions on boosting bilateral trade and investment will take place on Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, the Emir will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a meeting with PM Modi at Hyderabad House. The MEA stated that discussions will cover various aspects of bilateral relations. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange is also scheduled, followed by the Emir’s meeting with President Murmu.
Strengthening India-Qatar Ties
Sheikh Tamim’s visit comes at the invitation of PM Modi. Over the years, India and Qatar have strengthened ties in trade, investment, energy, technology, and culture.
Trade Relations Between India and Qatar
India and Qatar share longstanding trade relations. Between April 2000 and September 2024, India received $1.5 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Qatar. Bilateral trade between the two nations declined to $14 billion in 2023-24 from $18.77 billion in 2022-23.