“In this regard, the Qatar side announced a commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India. The Indian side also appreciated Qatar’s efforts in enhancing its investment environment and its initiatives to attract Foreign Direct Investment. India also recognized Qatar’s growing role as a regional hub for goods and services, leveraging its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly policies,” read the Joint Statement.

The two sides also acknowledged that the centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Qatar relationship. “The Qatari leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Qatar for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Qatar are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. The Indian side conveyed deep appreciation to the leadership of Qatar for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Qatar. The Qatar side welcomed the extension of e-visa facility by India to Qatari nationals.”

The Indian side also thanked Qatar for its support to the growing India-GCC cooperation and for facilitating the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh last September under Qatar’s Chairmanship.

Following the talks between the two leaders, agreements were signed on establishment of bilateral strategic partnership; revised agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and its protocol; MoU between Ministry of Finance, India and Ministry of Finance, Qatar on financial and economic collaboration; MoU on cooperation in field of youth and sports; MOU for cooperation in the field of documents and archives; MoU between Invest India and Invest Qatar; and, a MoU between Confederation of Indian Industry and Qatari Businessmen Association.

The Amir was received by President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan and accorded a ceremonial welcome. The visiting leader was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, officials and business leaders on his second State Visit to India.