India and Qatar officially elevated their bilateral relations to a “Strategic Partnership” on Tuesday, marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including trade, energy, investments, innovation, technology, food security, culture, and people-to-people ties. The announcement was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at further enhancing bilateral collaboration. One key agreement was a revised treaty on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion concerning taxes on income.
Prime Minister Modi and the Amir of Qatar engaged in detailed talks, focusing on areas such as economic cooperation, technological advancements, and mutual interests in regional and global matters. According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, both leaders agreed to work towards deepening the India-Qatar partnership with a focus on “trade, energy, investments, innovation, technology, food security, culture & people-to-people ties.”
Earlier in the day, the Amir of Qatar was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he received a Guard of Honour. He was received by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and senior government ministers. The Amir also interacted with the Qatari delegation accompanying him.
The Qatari delegation, which includes ministers, senior officials, and business leaders, arrived in India for a two-day state visit. This marks Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s second visit to India, with his previous state visit having occurred in March 2015.
The strengthened ties are expected to provide further momentum to the growing partnership between the two countries, which has been built on historically close relations and regular engagement at the highest levels of government.