PM’s personal welcome signals deepening India-Qatar ties amid high-stakes diplomatic visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi defied standard diplomatic protocol on Monday by personally receiving Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani at New Delhi airport. As the Emir stepped onto Indian soil, artists staged a dazzling cultural performance in his honour, marking the beginning of his two-day official visit (February 17-18).
“Brother” and a “Special Friend”
Modi, in an affectionate post on X, called the Emir his “brother,” stating, “Went to the airport to welcome my brother, Amir of Qatar H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. Wishing him a fruitful stay in India and looking forward to our meeting tomorrow.” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also joined the welcome, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal describing the visit as “a special gesture for a special friend.”
Embed from Getty ImagesStrategic Talks and Economic Priorities
During his visit, Al-Thani will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold high-level discussions with Modi. The agenda includes strengthening economic ties, expanding trade, and exploring new areas of collaboration in renewable energy, fintech, and technology.
Qatar plays a crucial role in India’s energy security, being a major supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additionally, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has invested significantly in India’s infrastructure, energy, and tech sectors. Bilateral trade already spans diverse sectors, with India exporting rice, jewellery, machinery, and pharmaceuticals, while importing Qatari crude oil, petrochemicals, and chemicals.
People-to-People Ties
With over 8.35 lakh Indian expatriates residing in Qatar, the Gulf nation hosts the largest Indian diaspora in the region. Indians contribute to multiple fields, including medicine, engineering, finance, and media.
Al-Thani’s visit comes months after the 5th India-Qatar Foreign Office Consultations in Doha, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation. His presence in India now signals a further deepening of ties between the two nations.
