New Delhi: HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of India, Mohammed Hassan Jabir Al Jabir, emphasized that the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to India is anticipated to enhance the bilateral relationship further.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency highlighted that this is not the first visit by HH the Amir, as he previously visited India in 2015, which boosted cooperation in various fields. HE Al Jabir noted that the visit of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Doha in February 2024 was a pivotal moment to expand bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, technology, and culture.
HE Al Jabir stressed the significance of HH the Amir’s visit, which is aimed at broadening cooperation and fostering a strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit serves as a crucial opportunity to discuss regional and global issues, enhance trade and investment cooperation in key sectors like energy and technology, and address global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.
Regarding economic cooperation, HE Al Jabir emphasized the thriving economic relationship between Qatar and India. He stated that the trade exchange volume between the two countries reached approximately USD14 billion during 2023-2024, positioning India as Qatar’s second-largest trading partner. He also highlighted the presence of around 20,000 Indian firms in Qatar and the substantial Indian community of approximately 800,000 people, which strengthens socio-economic ties.
HE Al Jabir noted that the businessmen forum, set to convene during HH the Amir’s visit, aims to reinforce economic cooperation and explore prospects in sectors such as trade, industry, logistics, information technology, healthcare, and education. The forum will not only strengthen economic ties but also open new horizons for shared investment between the two countries.
Significant memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed during the visit to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, particularly in politics, economics, investment, sports, education, and culture. These agreements aim to enhance trade exchange and boost investments, benefitting the economies of both nations.
HE Al Jabir highlighted the energy sector as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, with Qatar being the largest supplier of LNG to India. In February 2024, the two nations signed a long-term agreement valued at USD78 billion to export 7.5 million tons of Qatar’s LNG to India annually starting from 2028.
HE Al Jabir also underscored the immense growth potential of the Indian market and Qatar’s investment-friendly climate, which presents opportunities for increased trade and investment. Additionally, the visit aims to bolster cooperation in securing high-quality food products and promoting tourism between the two nations.
In his closing remarks, HE Al Jabir emphasized that HH the Amir’s visit is an opportunity to broaden bilateral cooperation across multiple fields, contributing to sustainable development and prosperity for both countries.