New Delhi: As they announced to elevate the ties to a strategic partnership, India and Qatar in February also expressed happiness at the signing of the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and expediting negotiations on the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty.

During their comprehensive talks held at Hyderabad House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relations through regular and structured cooperation in all areas, including political, trade, investment, security, energy, culture, education, technology, innovation, sustainability and people-to-people ties.

“Had a very productive meeting with my brother, Amir of Qatar H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Under his leadership, Qatar has scaled new heights of progress. He is also committed to a strong India-Qatar friendship. This visit is even more special because we have elevated our ties to a Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi posted on X after the banquet reception hosted in honour of the Amir and accompanying delegation by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

“Trade featured prominently in our talks. We want to increase and diversify India-Qatar trade linkages. Our nations can also work closely in sectors like energy, technology, healthcare, food processing, pharma and green hydrogen,” he added.

Recalling the successful visit of the Amir to India in March 2015 and the visits of Prime Minister Modi to Qatar in June 2016 and February 2024, the two sides noted with satisfaction that regular interactions at various levels have helped provide momentum to the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. The high-level exchanges, they announced, would continue through regular bilateral mechanisms at ministerial and senior-official levels.

“The two sides noted that trade and commerce has been a strong pillar of bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries and emphasised on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. The two sides welcomed the elevation of the existing Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce into a Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce. The Joint Commission will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of economic ties between the two countries and will be headed by the Ministers of Commerce and Industry on both sides,” an India-Qatar Joint Statement issued in February detailed.

The first meeting of the Joint Business Council, which would strengthen collaborations between business and industry bodies of the two countries, was held on February 13. The Qatar side commended the steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Institutional Investment and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, hospitality, and other areas of mutual interest.