In a rare gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself received Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, at New Delhi’s airport on Monday. The brotherly welcome, which included a few cultural performance by Indian artists, signified deepening India-Qatar relations as the Emir embarked on a two-day official visit.
PM Modi later shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), referring to Al-Thani as a “brother” and expressed optimism about their upcoming discussions. “Went to the airport to welcome my brother, Amir of Qatar H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. Wishing him a fruitful stay in India and looking forward to our meeting tomorrow,” Modi wrote.
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1891505656047235330
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was also present at the airport, and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the visit as a “special gesture for a special friend,” signifying the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
Qatar Emir’s Two Day Visit to India
Sheikh Al-Thani leads a high-level delegation of ministers, senior officials, and business leaders to discuss trade, investment, energy, and technology. He will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold bilateral talks with PM Modi at Hyderabad House. Both sides plan to sign multiple agreements to strengthen cooperation.
India and Qatar share strong economic ties, with bilateral trade valued at around $20 billion. Qatar is India’s largest supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), providing nearly half of India’s LNG imports. In addition, Qatar exports crude oil, petrochemicals, and aluminum to India. India, in turn, exports rice, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and jewelry to Qatar.
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has invested heavily in India, particularly in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy. Both countries aim to diversify their trade relations. Fintech, startups, and clean energy are emerging as key areas of future collaboration.
Beyond trade, India and Qatar share strong cultural ties. The Indian diaspora in Qatar is the largest expatriate community, with over 835,000 Indian nationals contributing to various sectors, including healthcare, education, finance, and business. Moreover, around 15,000 Indian companies operate in Qatar, collectively investing nearly $450 million in the Gulf nation.
This visit comes months after the 5th India-Qatar Foreign Office Consultations in Doha, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing diplomatic and economic engagement.
A Shift in India’s West Asia Policy?
PM Modi’s decision to personally receive the Qatari Emir signals a shift in India’s diplomatic approach toward West Asia. It highlights India’s growing engagement with key Gulf nations. Given India’s rising energy needs and Qatar’s role as a major supplier, the visit emphasizes the strategic importance of strengthening ties with Doha.
As the two leaders prepare for formal discussions, the visit is expected to strengthen economic cooperation and investment opportunities. It also aims to foster strategic partnerships, reinforcing India’s commitment to its extended neighborhood in West Asia.
