India-Qatar Strategic Partnership Agreement
On February 18, 2025, Qatar and India signed an agreement to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, underscoring Qatar's role as a major energy supplier to India. Key discussions were held between leaders of both the countries.
Key Discussion Points
- Exploration of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance trade, investment, and security cooperation between the two nations.
- Signing of a double taxation avoidance treaty to facilitate smoother business operations.
- Discussion on the Israel-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip, with both sides conveying their respective positions on the Israel-Hamas issue.
Regional Context and International Relations
- India has established strategic partnerships with other Gulf Cooperation Council members including Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
- The visit coincided with a five Arab states summit in Riyadh, addressing new proposals from the United States regarding the Gaza crisis.
Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation
- A commitment to double bilateral trade to $28 billion, supported by the participation of 38 Qatari entities in various sectors.
- Future exploration and negotiation of an India-GCC FTA and a bilateral FTA with Qatar.
Security and Humanitarian Issues
- The strategic partnership will include a security component, although specifics were not detailed.
- Discussed the case of former Indian Navy commander Purnendu Tiwary, who remains in Qatari custody, and the broader context of Indian nationals in Qatari prisons, with pardons granted to some.
Business and Diaspora Engagement
- The establishment of a Joint Business Forum to strengthen economic ties and collaborations between top business entities from both countries.
- The Indian diaspora is the largest working force in Qatar, highlighting the strong people-to-people connections.