Amir of Qatar Visits India: At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, embarked on a State Visit to India from February 17-18, 2025. Accompanied by a high-level delegation of Ministers, officials, and business leaders, this marks the second State Visit of HH the Amir to India.
Ceremonial Welcome and High-Level Engagements
On February 18, HH the Amir was received with a ceremonial welcome at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan by Hon’ble President Smt Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The President also hosted a banquet in honor of HH the Amir and his delegation.
Bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and HH the Amir took place at Hyderabad House, where both leaders reiterated the deep-rooted trade and people-to-people ties between the two nations. A major highlight of the visit was the signing of the ‘Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership,’ aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.
Economic and Trade Advancements
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and technology. Notably, Qatar announced a commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India. The establishment of the India-Qatar Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce was also agreed upon, with a target to double bilateral trade by 2030. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) will soon open an office in India to explore investment avenues in key sectors.
Additionally, both nations emphasized their dedication to finalizing the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty and expanding business collaborations. The inaugural Joint Business Council meeting was successfully held on February 13, 2025.
Key Agreements and MoUs Signed
- Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership
- Revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
- MoU on Financial and Economic Collaboration
- MoU on Youth and Sports Cooperation
- MoU for Cooperation in Documents and Archives
- MoU between Invest India and Invest Qatar
- MoU between Confederation of Indian Industry and Qatari Businessmen Association
Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation
The leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms, pledging to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, cybercrime prevention, and law enforcement. A renewed focus was placed on cybersecurity, anti-money laundering, and combating transnational crimes.
Technological and Cultural Collaborations
India and Qatar agreed to expand cooperation in technology, AI, and innovation. The operationalization of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in Qatar’s QNB Points of Sales was welcomed, with plans for a nationwide rollout.
Cultural ties were also reinforced, with both nations agreeing to celebrate an India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship, and Sports. Enhanced collaboration in education and sports was emphasized through student exchanges, academic linkages, and joint sports initiatives.
People-to-People and Labor Relations
With a large Indian diaspora in Qatar, both nations highlighted the importance of labor mobility and expatriate welfare. Regular meetings of the Joint Working Group on Labour and Employment were agreed upon to address workforce concerns, safety, and dignity.
Regional and Global Cooperation
Both sides discussed regional stability, UN reforms, and India’s cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Qatar reaffirmed its support for deeper India-GCC ties, emphasizing the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Strategic Dialogue.
HH the Amir expressed gratitude for India’s warm hospitality, reaffirming the enduring partnership between the two nations. The visit marked a significant step toward strengthening the India-Qatar relationship, fostering greater economic, security, and cultural cooperation while contributing to regional and global stability.
