India and Qatar have taken a major step in strengthening their relationship by signing a strategic partnership agreement during Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to New Delhi. The pact, signed alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on trade, energy, technology, investments, and food security.
Both leaders met at Hyderabad House on Tuesday, discussing regional and global developments. In addition to the strategic partnership, the leaders also finalized an agreement to prevent double taxation.
The Amir arrived in India on Monday evening, receiving a warm welcome from Prime Minister Modi at the Air Force Station in Palam. The gesture underscored the growing importance of India-Qatar ties. “Went to the airport to welcome my brother, Amir of Qatar… Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow,” Modi posted on X.
During the visit, Qatar committed to investing $10 billion across key Indian sectors, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, and hospitality. The two countries also set a target of doubling annual trade to $28 billion within five years. Talks on a potential free trade agreement are also underway.
The Amir expressed gratitude for India’s hospitality, emphasizing the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations. “India is one of Qatar’s most important economic partners,” he stated.
Strengthening West Asia Ties
India has been actively strengthening its relations with Gulf nations under Modi’s leadership. Over the past decade, ties with the region have deepened, particularly in trade, energy, and investment. The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), launched in May 2022, has significantly boosted economic cooperation.
Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December—the first by an Indian PM in 43 years—marked another milestone. Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya described India as a “very important partner,” praising Modi’s leadership.
With Qatar’s latest investment commitment, India’s engagement with the Gulf is set to expand further, reinforcing its economic and strategic position in the region.
