Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar traveled to Doha this week for a series of high-level meetings that strengthened the strategic partnership between India and Qatar. The minister held talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, where the two discussed various aspects of their relationship, particularly in the critical areas of trade and energy.
Sharing meeting details on X, Jaishankar he said the discussions extended to regional and global developments with a particular focus on West Asia.
“I was pleased to meet the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister @MBA_AlThani_ in Doha. We reviewed key aspects of our strategic partnership including energy, trade, investment and people-to-people connections. I appreciate the exchange of views on Middle East/West Asia, regional and global developments,” he said.
Jaishankar also held a meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, where the leaders explored opportunities to expand cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties.
Expanding economic ties
These interactions follow a period of sustained high-level engagement. In early October, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Qatar, where he co-chaired a meeting of the India-Qatar Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation with his Qatari counterpart Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani.
During his trip, Minister Goyal met Qatar Development Bank (QDB) CEO Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi and highlighted India’s delight that Qatari businesses are keenly interested in the opportunities offered by India’s growing economy.
The foundations of the current diplomatic pace were laid in September, when the Prime Minister Narendra Modi he spoke directly to Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the continuous progress in the India-Qatar strategic partnership, noting the sustained growth in trade, investment and security cooperation. They mutually reaffirmed their commitment to develop bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest, as confirmed in an official press statement.
Crucially, during the call, PM Modi also addressed the regional crisis, expressing deep concern over the recent strikes in Doha targeting Hamas leaders and condemning the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. He emphasized India’s support to Qatar and its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The prime minister further praised Qatar’s key role as mediator in the Gaza conflict, including its tireless work in securing a ceasefire and facilitating the release of hostages.
In response, Sheikh Tamim thanked Prime Minister Modi for his solidarity with Qatar and its people during this challenging time and also expressed appreciation for India’s continued support in promoting regional peace. The leaders agreed to maintain close contact and continue to work together to strengthen the long-standing ties between the two nations.
