State visit highlights growing strategic and economic ties between India and Qatar
Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His visit marks a significant step in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between India and Qatar, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Sheikh Tamim’s state visit schedule and key meetings
The Emir’s state visit to India commenced on February 17, 2025, with his arrival in New Delhi at 1845 hrs at AFS Palam. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed him at 2000 hrs at Hotel Leela Palace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received him at Indira Gandhi International Airport, underlining the importance of the visit.
On February 18, Sheikh Tamim received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 1000 hrs, followed by a bilateral meeting with PM Modi at Hyderabad House at 1200 hrs. At 1300 hrs, India and Qatar exchanged Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), focusing on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. Later in the evening, Sheikh Tamim met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 1900 hrs before concluding his visit and departing at 2105 hrs.
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Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, and business leaders, the Emir’s visit underscores Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with India
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This marks his second state visit to India, following his earlier trip in March 2015
Broadening economic cooperation beyond oil and gas
Qatar is keen to expand its economic partnership with India beyond traditional sectors like oil and gas. Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, emphasized the visit’s role in fostering new business opportunities and investments between the two nations.
“We are focusing on growing the non-oil and gas business where we can collaborate with India. We welcome Indian businesses to explore opportunities in Qatar,” Al Sayed stated in an interview.
While Qatar remains a key energy partner for India, it is now looking to diversify investments in emerging sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence. The Qatari government is also encouraging Indian companies to explore business opportunities in Qatar, assuring a conducive environment for investments and collaborations.
Strengthening historic ties and future prospects
India and Qatar share a long history of trade and strategic cooperation, with the Gulf nation being a major energy supplier to India. Sheikh Tamim’s visit is expected to further strengthen economic engagement, deepen strategic partnerships, and open new avenues for trade and investment.
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