Soon after the inauguration of the BAPS temple in UAE, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a journey to another neighboring country—Qatar. Despite its modest size, Qatar has carved out a distinct niche in the realm of international relations. Over recent years, the Gulf nation has emerged as a skillful mediator, fostering positive relationships with influential global powers such as the USA, China, Russia, and Iran. Notably, it has played a pivotal role in shaping American foreign policy in the Middle East.
India & Qatar
The bond between India and Qatar runs deep, marked by a robust partnership in the energy sector and substantial investments from Qatar into India, amounting to several billion US dollars. With the Prime Minister’s visit occurring towards the end of his second term, there is anticipation for the signing of significant agreements that will further solidify the bilateral relationship.
Bilateral Trade
India’s trade with Qatar is substantial, with nearly half of India’s LNG requirement and a significant portion of its LPG needs being imported from Qatar. Additionally, various petrochemical products, including chemicals, plastics, and fertilizers, are imported from Qatar to India. In return, India exports metals, vegetables, and spices to Qatar.
Diaspora in Qatar
The Indian community in Qatar is sizable, comprising 835,000 individuals, which accounts for 27 percent of Qatar’s total population. Indians contribute across various sectors such as engineering, healthcare, education, banking, finance, media, and blue-collar jobs. Furthermore, approximately 15,000 Indian companies, ranging from small enterprises to large corporations, operate in Qatar, with a cumulative investment of US$450 million.
Significantly, Sushma Swaraj made history as the first Indian External Affairs Minister to visit Qatar, followed by Prime Minister Modi’s visit in June 2016, and now his upcoming visit on 14-15 February. Previously, in November 2008, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited Qatar. Various high-ranking Indian officials, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, have also visited Qatar.
In reciprocation, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited India in 2015, continuing the tradition established by his father, the former Emir, who made multiple visits to India in 1999, 2005, and 2012.
Qatar releases 8 ex-navy personnel. Why?
Qatar freed eight ex-Indian Navy members after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention. ‘PM Modi ensures safety for Indians abroad by personally engaging with foreign leaders,’ said Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. He was responding to media questions in Abu Dhabi.
This action highlights Modi’s sensitive approach to Indian community issues. Over the past decade, the government has prioritized the safety of Indian nationals globally. Kwatra emphasized the Prime Minister’s directive for aiding Indians wherever they are.
‘Modi’s proactive diplomacy secures Indians’ safety and repatriation when needed.’ His visit to Qatar aims to strengthen bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister actively fosters ties with Gulf nations.
Earlier this week, Qatar released the eight jailed former Indian Navy personnel nearly three-and-a-half months after they were handed down death sentences in a case of suspected espionage. Seven of the eight Indian nationals returned home on Monday. The Indian nationals, who worked with the private company Al Dahra, were arrested in August 2022 reportedly in an alleged case of espionage.
‘’This is direct evidence of the sensitive approach the Prime Minister adopts to address the problems faced by the Indian community,’’ the foreign secretary said. `’Whenever the Indian community had faced problems, the Prime Minister, his leadership and his personal initiatives ensured that they were brought back to India.’’
He also stated, `’Over the past 10 years, whenever Indian nationals have faced problems, it was not just a question of the Ministry of External Affairs but the whole of government approach has been adopted to ensure their safety. Indian nationals, wherever they are, should extend all possible and appropriate help. These are the directives of the Prime Minister. He (PM) has taken the initiative to speak to leaders of other countries and he has ensured that Indian nationals wherever they are, remain safe and are brought back to India, if necessary,’’ the foreign secretary said.
The Foreign Secretary said India-Qatar relations are comprehensive and the Prime Minister’s visit to Doha will take the ties to newer heights. He said the Prime Minister has taken personal initiative to strengthen India’s relationship with every country in the Gulf region.