Team TrickyScribe: At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, visited India from February 17-18, 2025. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, this was the Amir’s second State Visit to India, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
Grand Welcome and High-Level Bilateral Talks
The Amir was warmly received by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a ceremonial welcome and a banquet in his honor. The two leaders engaged in bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House, reaffirming historic trade relations and people-to-people ties while committing to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Strategic Partnership Agreement Signed
A significant milestone of the visit was the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership, aimed at strengthening political, economic, and security cooperation. Both sides also revised the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and pledged to fast-track negotiations on the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Economic Boost: Investment and Trade Expansion
Trade and commerce have been pivotal in India-Qatar relations. The visit saw:
• Elevation of the Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce into a Joint Commission, led by Commerce Ministers from both nations.
• The first Joint Business Council meeting held on February 13, 2025, fostering industry collaboration.
• Plans to double bilateral trade by 2030 and explore a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Qatar Commits $10 Billion Investment in India
Recognizing India as one of the fastest-growing economies, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced a $10 billion investment across infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, and hospitality. The Indian side welcomed QIA’s decision to open an office in India, further enhancing financial cooperation.
Financial and Digital Connectivity Strengthened
• India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) was operationalized at QNB’s Points of Sale in Qatar, with plans for a nationwide rollout.
• Qatar National Bank (QNB) to establish an office in GIFT City, India’s financial hub.
• Discussions on bilateral trade settlements in local currencies to reduce dependency on foreign exchange fluctuations.
Energy Partnership and Security Cooperation
• India and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to deepening energy cooperation, focusing on investments in energy infrastructure.
• Both sides unequivocally condemned terrorism, vowing to enhance intelligence sharing, cybersecurity measures, and anti-money laundering efforts.
Collaboration in Health, Education, and Technology
• Strengthening pharmaceutical exports from India to Qatar.
• Qatar welcomed Indian startups to participate in Doha’s Web Summits (2024-25).
• Emphasis on digital governance, AI, and emerging technologies.
• Joint research and academic exchanges between universities in both countries.
Sports, Culture, and People-to-People Ties
• India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship, and Sports announced.
• Strengthened sports collaborations, including workshops, athlete exchanges, and bilateral tournaments.
• Recognition of the Indian community’s contributions to Qatar’s progress.
• India extended e-visa facilities to Qatari nationals.
Regional and Global Diplomacy
Both leaders discussed pressing regional security issues, emphasizing the role of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
• India thanked Qatar for its role in fostering India-GCC relations and facilitating the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting.
• Agreement on UN Security Council reforms, advocating a more representative global governance system.
Key Agreements Signed
✔ Bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement
✔ Revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
✔ MoU on Financial and Economic Collaboration
✔ MoU on Youth and Sports Cooperation
✔ MoU on Document and Archives Collaboration
✔ MoU between Invest India & Invest Qatar
✔ MoU between Confederation of Indian Industry & Qatari Businessmen Association
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