Amir's visit marks pivotal milestone in bilateral relationship: India's Ambassador to Qatar

The Ambassador of the Republic of India to the State of Qatar, HE Vipul, has hailed the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to India as a significant milestone in the two nations' bilateral relationship. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Vipul emphasized that the visit comes at a pivotal time, offering both nations an opportunity to elevate their longstanding friendship to new heights.

The ambassador noted that Qatar is poised to be a key partner in India’s ambitious journey toward becoming an advanced nation by 2047. Highlighting the progress made since HH the Amir’s first visit in 2025, HE Vipul pointed out the profound global transformations, including the rapid technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence and the increasing intensity of regional conflicts.

HE Vipul stressed Qatar’s crucial diplomatic efforts in conflict resolution, citing its mediation in securing the Gaza ceasefire deal and hostage release. He lauded Qatar’s proactive role in global diplomacy and humanitarian initiatives, aligning with India’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful negotiations in international affairs.

Despite global uncertainties, the ambassador noted that the economic resilience of both nations has been evident, with trade and investment ties thriving. He highlighted the long-term energy partnership between Qatar and India, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening collaboration in this sector for years to come.

The Qatar-India political and economic relationship has been reinforced through high-profile visits, including those of Indian Prime Minister HE Narendra Modi to Doha in 2016 and 2024. These engagements have facilitated extensive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional and global challenges.

Trade remains a fundamental pillar of India-Qatar relations, encompassing key sectors such as food commodities, construction materials, electronics, energy and services. India’s open investment policies have paved the way for increased foreign direct investment, reaching approximately USD1 trillion. Qatari investments in India currently stand at USD1.5 billion, spanning multiple sectors including retail, energy, healthcare, information technology and housing.

With India’s economic growth ranging between 6% and 7%, lucrative investment opportunities continue to emerge in sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. HE Vipul also highlighted the presence of over 20,000 Indian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar, contributing significantly to the local economy.

In 2024, India and Qatar renewed their energy partnership through a landmark agreement securing the export of 7.5 million tons of Qatari LNG to India annually for 20 years, starting in 2028. The contract, valued at approximately USD78 billion, solidifies energy as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, with both nations committed to expanding their synergy in this vital sector.

HE Vipul stressed the importance of prioritizing technology, innovation and sustainability in bilateral collaborations. India, with one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, has leveraged AI across diverse industries including healthcare, finance, space exploration, agriculture, logistics, entertainment and education. Some of these startups are participating in the Web Summit Qatar, presenting potential areas of collaboration.

The ambassador also highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Qatar. The sizable Indian community in Qatar plays a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral relations. He commended Qatar’s reputation as a hub for culture, education, research and sports, calling for increased cooperation in these domains alongside travel and tourism.

In conclusion, HE Vipul emphasized that HH the Amir’s visit to India presents a valuable opportunity for both nations to deliberate on various aspects of cooperation and address pressing regional and global issues. The visit is expected to further solidify the strategic partnership between India and Qatar, paving the way for a future of enhanced collaboration and shared prosperity.