India and Qatar have officially elevated their relations to a strategic partnership, as an agreement has been exchanged between the two countries after high-level discussions. This was announced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, in New Delhi.

Enhanced Cooperation Across Core Areas

The two leaders had the bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, where they aimed at enhancing cooperation in a number of priority sectors such as trade, investment, technology, energy, food security, culture, and people-to-people contacts. The primary result of the talks was to double India-Qatar trade to $28 billion within the next five years. The two nations also explored the option of a free trade agreement to further strengthen economic ties.

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The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated energy security as a priority in the meeting, with both countries looking to improve this aspect of cooperation. Finance was another key issue tackled, with both sides adopting a framework for evading double taxation and preventing tax evasion on income tax. An agreement in relation to this was also shared.

Resolution of Regional and Global Issues

In addition to the bilateral discussions, the two presidents also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern. “India-Qatar, further deepening the deep & traditional friendship. PM @narendramodi & HH Sheikh @TamimbinHamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar had extensive discussions at Hyderabad House today. Both leaders agreed to raise India-Qatar relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership with emphasis on trade, energy, investments, innovation, technology, food security, culture & people-to-people connections. They also discussed regional and global issues of common interest,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal tweeted in an X post.

Emir’s Visit to India and Warm Reception

The Emir of Qatar arrived in New Delhi for his two-day visit on Monday evening. In a rare gesture of hospitality, Prime Minister Modi personally received the Emir at the airport, offering a warm handshake and a hug. The Emir’s visit is almost a year since PM Modi’s visit to Qatar in February 2024.

He is joined by a high-powered delegation, comprising ministers, top officials, and businesspersons. Before meeting him, the Emir was greeted with a ceremonial guard of honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu received the visiting leader.