India and Qatar Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Strategic Partnership Agreement.
New Delhi:
At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, paid a state visit to India on February 17-18, 2025. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the Amir’s visit marks a renewed commitment to enhancing the strong and historic ties between the two nations.
The Amir was ceremonially welcomed by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan on February 18, where a banquet was hosted in his honor. Prime Minister Modi and the Amir held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, reaffirming their mutual desire to deepen the multifaceted cooperation between India and Qatar.
During the discussions, the leaders signed the Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership, a landmark agreement that paves the way for enhanced collaboration in a range of sectors, including trade, investment, security, energy, technology, and cultural exchanges. Both sides expressed enthusiasm for further growth in bilateral trade, which is expected to double by 2030, and agreed to expedite the negotiation of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Economic cooperation took center stage, with an emphasis on bolstering investments, especially in sectors like infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, and food security. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced a commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India. The creation of a Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce will streamline the review of economic relations between the two countries, while business bodies from both nations were urged to foster greater collaboration.
The visit also highlighted the growing importance of digital and technological exchanges, with agreements to explore cooperation in emerging technologies, AI, and e-governance. Both countries also agreed to strengthen energy cooperation, including the expansion of mutual investments in energy infrastructure.
Security cooperation was another focal point, as both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and agreed to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism, cybercrime, and other transnational threats. Efforts to promote information and intelligence sharing were also discussed, alongside collaboration in law enforcement and anti-money laundering initiatives.
In the cultural and educational spheres, the two sides agreed to further exchange initiatives in sports, arts, and academic collaborations, including celebrating the India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship, and Sports. Education, with a focus on academic exchanges and research partnerships, was also a key area of mutual interest.
The Indian side expressed appreciation for Qatar’s support of the Indian community in the Gulf nation and welcomed the extension of an e-visa facility for Qatari nationals.
Furthermore, both leaders reiterated the importance of a reformed and effective United Nations system and pledged to work closely on global challenges through coordinated efforts in multilateral forums. They also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing India-GCC cooperation, particularly in the context of the India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue.
The visit culminated in the signing of several important agreements, including the Revised Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation, MoUs on economic collaboration, youth and sports cooperation, and investments, all of which are expected to create new avenues for closer cooperation between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi and the Amir both expressed optimism that the newly strengthened partnership will continue to grow, benefiting the people of both nations and contributing to stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
