India-Qatar Strategic Partnership: Strengthening Trade, Security, and Bilateral Cooperation

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani conducted a diplomatic visit to India from February 17 to 18 of 2025 to bolster bilateral ties in diplomacy and economics and security sectors. Both countries agreed to the Bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement that solidified their continuing collaboration between trade and energy sectors and investment and technology and defense and cultural fields. Qatar invested $10 billion as both parties worked toward raising their trade value to double by 2030 and proceeded with negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and four different Memoranda of Understanding about finance and sports and archives and investment cooperation served as the main agreements. The countries jointly condemned terrorism together with their focus on UN reform initiatives and they expanded joint bilateral programs that solidified their strong labor force and cultural bonds.

Introduction

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Qatar’s leader Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for a visit that took place on February 17-18 of 2025.

• He performed his second official diplomatic mission to India to develop bilateral relationships between the two countries.

• A strong delegation consisting of ministers combined with officials and business leaders backed his visit.

• A Bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement became a major landmark achievement in the development of India-Qatar diplomatic ties.

Political and Diplomatic Relations

• The countries agreed to preserve structured cooperation and continued regular meetings at high governmental levels.

• Bilateral and multilateral organizations including the UN and GCC will receive stronger cooperation attention from both parties.

• During their meeting India showed appreciation to Qatar for giving support to the India-GCC Strategic Dialogue while emphasizing the importance of reforms at the United Nations Security Council.

• The leaders examined regional security matter through joint discussions about Middle Eastern events alongside worldwide efforts for peace.

Economic and Trade Cooperation

India-Qatar Bilateral Trade:

• India and Qatar signed an agreement to boost economic trade by 2030 while discussing possible establishment of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

• The Gulf country Qatar made a $10 billion investment plan to support Indian projects spanning from infrastructure improvements to technological advances as well as food safety initiatives and logistics infrastructure and manufacturing facilities.

• The Indian government brought approval for Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to establish an office in India.

• A joint commission for trade and commerce will ensure economic relations monitoring between the two nations.

Financial and Taxation Reforms:

• The governmental bodies of both nations established a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) which fostered economic investment opportunities between them.

• Agreement between India's Ministry of Finance and Qatar’s Ministry of Finance on financial and economic cooperation.

Energy Cooperation

• Energy cooperation between India and Qatar will grow stronger by doing business in energy infrastructure through investment partnerships and trade activities.

• A regular process of meetings exists between the Joint Task Force on Energy and its stakeholders to protect energy supply.

Investment and Infrastructure Development

• Progress has been made within the Joint Task Force on Investments which plans to meet for the first time in June 2024.

• The nation of Qatar acknowledged the rapid economic expansion in India and its appealing business environment.

• Emphasis on collaboration between investment authorities, financial institutions, and businesses.

Digital and Financial Technology Cooperation

• The leaders agreed to increase the use of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) across borders between Qatar and India.

• QNB’s expansion in India through an office in GIFT City.

• Discussion on bilateral trade settlement in local currencies.

Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

• The leaders showed full agreement against terrorism no matter what form or where it exists including cross-border terrorist activities.

• Both countries advanced their partnership by developing their joint efforts against cybercrime as well as counter-terrorism operations and drug trafficking and money laundering activities.

• Both governments placed emphasis on bilateral security actions which include sharing intelligence together with joint law enforcement cooperation.

Defense and Strategic Cooperation

• The leaders of India and Qatar started productive talks regarding defense cooperation which included security and strategic partnership advancement.

• Security measures aimed at defense against cyberattacks must include preventative measures against radicalization and technical information exchange.

Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Trade

• The two nations established healthcare as an essential corner of their bilateral ties.

• The Indian government declared its intention to enhance pharmaceutical and medical device exports into Qatar.

• Indian pharmaceutical companies will encounter less bureaucratic restraint for Qatar physician company authorization.

Science, Technology, and Innovation

• Technology development and digital governance and artificial intelligence and startup initiatives received mutual support for collaboration from both countries.

• Indian startup businesses will receive opportunities to attend Web Summits in Doha starting from 2024 through 2025.

Cultural and Educational Ties

• The governments designated 2018-2019 as the India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship, and Sports.

• Both nations strengthened their existing partnership by establishing better relationships through university cooperations, academic programs between students and professors as well as scientific research partnerships.

• The countries enhanced their sports cooperation by exchanging athletes while sharing training programs.

People-to-People and Labor Cooperation

• The country expressed gratitude toward Indian migrants who supported its economic growth by establishing programs to protect their welfare.

• The member states established a practice of constant meetings through their Joint Working Group on Labour and Employment systems.

• India introduced electronic visa access to Qatari nationals to stimulate both tourism and travel developments.

Food Security and Supply Chain Cooperation

• Food security with stable supply chains emerged as essential areas where both nations should collaborate.

• Both parties committed to launch joint agricultural ventures and develop logistic systems together and facilitate trade activities.

Conclusion

• The encounter between the dignitaries confirmed the existing firm alliances between India and Qatar.

• Through the Strategic Partnership Agreement both nations aim to strengthen their cooperation functions that span from economic ties to security cooperation and cultural exchanges and technological advancement.

• The leaders held an optimistic view about India-Qatar bilateral relations which will lead to joint benefits and security stability.