EAM Jaishankar Calls On Qatar Amir, Reiterates India's Commitment To Stronger Ties

(MENAFN- IANS) Doha, Nov 16 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha on Sunday and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm greetings.

“Honored to meet H.H. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, in Doha today. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM Narendra Modi and reiterated our commitment to stronger India-Qatar relations. Appreciated his guidance on expanding collaboration and exploring new opportunities,” the External Affairs Minister posted on X.

Jaishankar also met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha. The two leaders discussed key aspects of the Strategic Partnership, including energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people connections.

Following their meeting, EAM Jaishankar wrote on X, “Pleasure to meet Qatar’s Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha. Reviewed key aspects of our Strategic Partnership, including energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. Appreciated the exchange of views on Middle East/West Asia, regional, and global developments.”

Regarding the meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “The talks focused on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two nations. The two sides also discussed a range of issues of shared concern.”

Earlier in October, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed in Doha and expressed optimism about growing economic engagement between the two countries.

“Glad to meet Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed. We recalled our discussions in New Delhi in August, when he led a large investment delegation from Qatar to India. Looking forward to continued engagement to increase bilateral trade and investment ties,” Goyal posted on X.

India maintains close ties with Qatar, rooted in historical commercial relations and people-to-people contacts. Diplomatic relations between India and Qatar were established in 1973.

The bilateral cooperation between the two countries has been expanding across various sectors through regular and substantive engagements, including at the highest levels of government, according to the Indian Embassy in Qatar. The relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership during Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s state visit to India in February this year.