PM Modi Arrives In Doha after UAE Visit, Eyes Strengthening Ties In Talks with Emir of Qatar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Thursday to hold talks on bilateral and global issues, aiming to deepen their multifaceted partnership. Modi arrived in Doha on Wednesday night for his second official visit to Qatar. He first visited the country in June 2016.

A day earlier, the Prime Minister had a “wonderful” meeting with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and discussed ways to strengthen ties between the two countries. “Had a wonderful meeting with PM @MBA_AlThani. Our discussions revolved around ways to boost India-Qatar friendship,” Modi said in a post on X after the meeting.

“The two leaders exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, energy, finance, and technology. They also discussed recent regional developments in West Asia and emphasised the importance of upholding peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

‘Fruitful talks’

Earlier, the MEA said Modi held “fruitful” talks with the prime minister of Qatar. “PM @narendramodi held a fruitful meeting with HH @MBA_AlThani_, PM & FM of Qatar in Doha. Discussions covered expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade & investment, energy, finance among others,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X.

On his arrival, Modi was received by Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the airport. During his two-day visit, Modi attended a dinner hosted in his honour by Qatar’s prime minister. After he arrived in Doha, Modi posted that he was looking forward to a fruitful visit that would deepen bilateral ties.

“Landed in Doha. Looking forward to a fruitful Qatar visit which will deepen India-Qatar friendship,” Modi wrote on X. He also thanked the Indian diaspora in Doha for the “exceptional” welcome. “An exceptional welcome in Doha! Grateful to the Indian diaspora,” he said on X and shared pictures of him being greeted by an enthusiastic Indian diaspora.

India-Qatar Ties

During a press conference on Monday, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that there have been several high-level exchanges between India and Qatar in recent years. “The bilateral relationship between India and Qatar, that has been steadily growing, includes a comprehensive span, including political ties, trade and investment linkages, our strong energy partnership, and ties in the field of culture, education and security,” he said.

“Strong bilateral trade between India and Qatar currently stands at roughly $20 billion, and Qatar is also a significant investor in India across the whole range of economies. Strong diaspora is equally an important connect between India and Qatar. Roughly, 840,000 strong, vibrant Indian community resides in Qatar,” he added. Kwatra further said the Prime Minister’s visit to Qatar will provide an opportunity for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss ways to further deepen and strengthen our multifaceted partnership, as well as exchange views on different regional and international issues of mutual importance.

Two-day UAE trip

PM Modi reached Doha after his two-day trip to the UAE, where he addressed a well-attended Indian diaspora event, the World Governments Summit, and also inaugurated UAE’s first Hindu stone temple among other engagements.

India’s announcement on Modi’s visit to the Qatari capital came on Monday, hours after seven out of eight jailed former Indian Navy personnel returned home, nearly three-and-half months after a Qatari court handed them a death sentence that was subsequently commuted to jail terms ranging from three to 25 years. Qatar released all the eight Indians.

The former Indian Navy personnel apparently faced charges of espionage, but neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi made the charges against them public. Modi, in his departure statement, also said the presence of over 8,00,000-strong Indian community in Doha is a “testament to our strong people-to-people ties.”

(With agency inputs)