Why Modi broke protocol to welcome Qatar emir at airport
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol on Monday, February 17, to personally welcome Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, at New Delhi airport.
The emir was on a two-day state visit to India which focused on trade, investment, energy and technology.
This is Al-Thani's second visit to India; his first was in March 2015.
Bilateral talks
Emir's visit to strengthen India-Qatar relations
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also welcomed the emir, highlighting the significance of furthering cooperation between India and Qatar.
On Tuesday, Al-Thani was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan before meeting Modi at Hyderabad House.
Following the meeting, both leaders expressed happiness on the signing of the 'Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership.'
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relations in all areas, including political, trade, investment, security, energy, culture, education, technology, etc.
Statement
Both sides set target to double bilateral trade by 2030
In a joint press release, Qatar and India said that they agreed on the need to explore strategies for enhanced and diversified trade and address on priority market access issues related to trade in goods and services.
"In this regard, the two sides agreed to explore the possibility of entering into a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both sides set the target to double bilateral trade by 2030," they said.
Economic cooperation
India-Qatar trade and defense ties under spotlight
Trade between India and Qatar stands at around $20 billion, with the latter being India's largest supplier of LNG and LPG. India's exports to Qatar include cereals, machinery, and textiles.
They also share strong defense ties with regular naval interactions and participation in defense exhibitions.
Furthermore, the Indian expatriate community in Qatar is large, with around 840,000 people working in different professions.
Around 15,000 Indian companies function in Qatar with investments worth $450 million.
Cultural ties
Qatar's role in West Asian security
A pending issue, however, is that of eight former Indian naval personnel who were arrested in Doha on espionage charges in August 2022.
Their death sentences were commuted after Delhi's intervention, with seven being released last February.
Qatar has also grown in importance not only for India but for West Asia's overall security. It has played the role of a mediator for Israel and Hamas and also hosts meetings involving the Taliban.