India, Qatar elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi meets Amir

In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations, India and Qatar have formally elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership following high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

The Indian delegation included Union Ministers Hardeep Puri, Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman, Mansukh Mandaviya, and PK Mishra.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged, covering trade, technology, and investments.

The two leaders signed a revised agreement on double taxation, a critical step towards a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Discussions also covered regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Focus Areas of the Strategic Partnership

The newly established Strategic Partnership will focus on:

Trade & Investments

Energy Cooperation

Technology & Innovation

Food Security

Cultural Exchange & People-to-People Ties

A Warm Welcome for the Qatari Amir

The Amir of Qatar was given a ceremonial guard of honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was welcomed by President Droupadi Murmu. In a rare diplomatic gesture, PM Modi personally received Sheikh Tamim at Delhi airport, exchanging warm greetings and hugs. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was also present.

Sheikh Tamim’s visit marks his second state visit to India, the first being in March 2015. His two-day trip, at the invitation of PM Modi, underscores the growing depth of India-Qatar relations.

With this historic milestone, both nations are poised for stronger economic and diplomatic collaboration in the years ahead.