On the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rich Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani of Qatar has reached India. PM Modi broke the protocol and reached the airport to receive Amir himself. Sheikh Tamim is not common like the rulers of other countries. Along with their diplomacy, lifestyle is also famous worldwide. President Trump has returned to the US. As a partner, the closeness of India with Qatar is even more important. There are many strategic reasons for this. One of these is LNG coming to India from Qatar. Energy consumption in India is on a large scale. Therefore, India also needs energy modifications. In such a situation, Qatar is considered to be the strongest option for India for growing energy needs. Qatar is also the largest LNG supplier in India.
Also read: India will become the biggest trade partner of Qatar, target to double business in 5 years
Trade and investment
Bilateral trade stood at US $ 14.08 billion in FY 2023-24.
India imports from Qatar: LNG, LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals, plastic and aluminum items etc.
India exports Qatar: grains, copper, iron and steel, vegetables, fruits, spices and processed food products, electricity and other machinery, plastic products, construction materials, cloth and apparel, chemicals, precious stones and rubber etc.
Qatar’s investment in India: According to DPIIT, the current FDI exceeds US $ 1.5 billion. Investments are in various areas including telecom, retail, education, health, IT, electricity, affordable housing etc.
According to the official website, some of the recent major investment and announcements made by the Qatar Investment Authority are as follows:
1 billion US dollars (August 2023) in Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL)
US $ 393 million in Indospess Logistics Parks IV (in collaboration with Grosvenner Property in September 2023) in Global Dental Services 50 million US $ (November 2023)
140 million US dollars in Shriram Housing Finance Limited
In 2021, QIA invested US $ 100 million in Verse Innovation with other investors, US $ 175 million in Rebel Foods Private Limited and US $ 800 million in Swigies.
US $ 450 million equal to 25.1 percent stake in a unit of Adani Transmission Limited (February 2020)
Indian investment in Qatar: According to Invest Qatar, Indian companies have invested US $ 356 million during 2017-2025; Major Indian companies in Qatar: Larsen & Toubro, Voltas, Shapoorji Pallonji, Wipro, TCS, Tech Mahindra and Lulu.
The air services agreement was signed in April 2005. Doha emerged as a major passenger center for Indian passengers. More than 200 weekly flights between Doha and more than twelve Indian cities.
Also read: 3,313 Indian laborers died in Qatar in 10 years, did PM Modi talk about the situation of workers? Sarkari Result Daily asked questions
Hindustani is every fourth person in Qatar
Historically, there is a strong relationship with the people of India and Qatar among the people. Indian communities over 8 lakh 30 thousand strong and passionate; The largest migrant community in Qatar is considered. In addition to a large number of blue-collar workers, they are engaged in businesses including medical, engineering, education, finance, banking, business and media. In 2019, the Indo-Karti culture was celebrated as the year. In the FIFA 2022 and the Asian Football Championship 2023, enthusiasts by Indian migrants made the success of the programs more colorful and vibrant. 19 Indian schools and one Indian universities are providing educational services in Qatar. Each year large programs are organized on International Yoga Day. More than 3000 people enthusiastically participated in the International Yoga Day 2024 program.
Former Navy officials released from Qatar
Qatar’s Amir’s visit to India took place after the February 2024 incident in which the sentence of eight Indians in the jails there was forgiven and released. He was a former Indian Navy officer. These former officials were arrested in August 2022 on charges of espionage. Qatar’s court sentenced these people to death in 2023. These people were released on the orders of Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. After this, PM Modi traveled to Qatar.
