Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude towards Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for the release of eight Indian nationals who faced the threat of capital punishment after their arrest in August 2022.
During their meeting, PM Modi and the Qatari Emir engaged in extensive discussions, primarily focusing on significantly expanding India-Qatar ties across various domains, including trade, energy partnership, investments, space collaboration, urban infrastructure, cultural bonds, and people-to-people ties. The leaders also exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues, demonstrating their commitment to cooperation and dialogue.
At a special briefing in Doha, the foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra reiterated Modi’s appreciation for the Emir’s support for the welfare of the Indian community in Qatar. He specifically thanked the Emir for his role in securing the release of the eight Indian nationals from Al-Dahra company.
“The prime minister thanked the Emir for his support for the welfare of the Indian community, and in this regard, expressed his deep appreciation to the Emir for the release of eight Indian nationals of Al-Dahra company. We are extremely gratified to see them back in India,” said the foreign secretary.
Modi’s visit to Qatar followed his recent trip to the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the importance of the region in India’s diplomatic engagements. The discussions between Modi and the Emir encompassed a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade partnership, space collaboration, investment cooperation, and energy ties.
According to FS Kwatra, the leaders emphasized the need for strategic investments and partnerships, particularly in the fields of energy and technology. Modi’s visit laid the foundation for elevating the India-Qatar relationship to a much higher level across various domains, underscoring the importance of investment as a vehicle for building a long-term strategic partnership.
India and Qatar are exploring avenues to broaden their trade baskets and integrate them into regional trade networks, thereby enhancing economic cooperation and promoting inclusive growth. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Emir Hamad Al-Thani to visit India, further underscoring India’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
Release of the Ex Naval Veterans
The release of the Navy veterans, who had initially been sentenced to death by Qatar’s Court of First Instance, marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough. Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with Qatari leaders during the COP28 Summit in Dubai played a crucial role in facilitating discussions on the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar.
Following his meeting with Qatari leaders, Prime Minister Modi took to social media to express his satisfaction with the discussions. He described the meeting with Emir Al-Thani as “wonderful,” highlighting their shared commitment to enhancing India-Qatar friendship.
India & Qatar: Energy Security:
India-Qatar ties have witnessed a remarkable upswing, particularly in trade and energy cooperation. Qatar’s status as the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India underscores the significance of strengthening energy partnerships to ensure long-term energy security.
Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India, accounting for over 48 per cent of India’s global LNG imports. India’s Petronet has renewed a contract to buy 7.5 million tonnes of LNG from Qatar annually from 2029 for 20 years and it is being billed as the largest-ever extension of super-chilled fuel in the world. The original 25-year deal was signed in 1999 and supplies started in 2004.
India a valued partner
In response to Prime Minister Modi’s sentiments, the Qatari Emir expressed his appreciation for India’s role as a valued partner in the Gulf region. He also acknowledged the contributions of the vibrant Indian community to Qatar’s development and their enthusiastic participation in various international events hosted by the country.
The visit of Prime Minister Modi to Qatar and his interactions with the Qatari leadership serve as a testament to the growing importance of bilateral relations between the two nations. As India and Qatar continue to deepen their engagement across various sectors, they are poised to unlock new opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.
Overall, the discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani reflect the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen their ties and work together for the betterment of their people. Through collaborative efforts and mutual understanding, India and Qatar aim to build a more prosperous and stable future for their citizens and the wider region.