India is one of Qatar’s largest energy consumers, and Qatar is among India’s top sources for LNG
In a significant step towards expanding their bilateral partnership, India and Qatar are exploring collaboration in emerging sectors like renewable energy, financial technology, and start-ups. 

Senior officials from both sides, who met for the 5th Round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Doha on Sunday (October 27, 2024), reviewed the full spectrum of India-Qatar bilateral ties, affirming both nations’ commitment to deeper collaboration and strategic partnership. 

The consultations underscored the comprehensive scope of India-Qatar relations, spanning high-level exchanges, trade, energy, culture, and people-to-people connections. The two sides also discussed avenues to deepen the bilateral relationship in areas such as renewable energy, fin-tech, start-ups and technology, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

This meeting was co-chaired by Shri Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Consular, Passport, and Visa & Overseas Indian Affairs) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and H.E. Dr. Ahmad Hassen Al-Hammadi, Secretary General in Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Strengthening the India-Qatar Bilateral Relationship 

 India and Qatar have long shared close historical relations rooted in mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for regional stability and economic growth. This FOC meeting sought to strengthen this connection further, focusing on emerging sectors like renewable energy, financial technology, and start-ups.

The talks began with an extensive review of recent exchanges and visits that have shaped India-Qatar relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Qatar in February 2024 established a clear trajectory for bilateral engagement, followed by a productive visit by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to Doha in June 2024. During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, to further align both countries’ strategic objectives.

India and Qatar have seen a sustained upswing in trade relations, with bilateral trade currently valued at approximately USD 14 billion annually. The economic dialogue during the FOC reflected this trend, as both nations identified key avenues to increase trade volumes and diversify investments. This partnership holds promise across sectors, including technology, healthcare, and infrastructure, with a significant focus on renewable energy and financial technology as sectors poised for growth.

The FOC underscored the importance of mutual investments, especially as both countries continue to collaborate in oil and gas. India, one of Qatar’s largest energy consumers, and Qatar, among India’s top sources for LNG, view this energy partnership as essential for both economic stability and sustainable growth.

The Indian diaspora in Qatar is a vibrant testament to the strong people-to-people ties binding the two nations. With over 700,000 Indians in Qatar, the Indian community plays a significant role in the Gulf state's socio-economic fabric.

Expanding Partnerships in New Domains: Technology, FinTech, and Start-ups

 Looking to the future, India and Qatar are keen to explore cooperation in cutting-edge sectors such as financial technology, start-ups, and emerging technologies. Qatar, an emerging hub for fintech in the Gulf, and India, with its thriving technology ecosystem, have significant synergy in this sector. Both nations agreed to facilitate dialogues and partnerships between private sector players, aiming to establish mutually beneficial projects and attract investments.

Renewable energy was another critical focus of the consultations. As global climate challenges escalate, India and Qatar are investing in renewable energy initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable growth. Discussions emphasized potential collaborations in green energy projects, reflecting both countries’ commitments to the Paris Agreement and sustainable development goals.

India and Qatar also exchanged views on various regional and global matters, sharing perspectives on security, stability, and economic resilience in light of current geopolitical dynamics. Both countries are invested in fostering peace and stability across the region, and their diplomatic dialogue highlighted shared concerns over security threats, economic volatility, and the need for collective action on climate change.

The discussions at the FOC reaffirmed India and Qatar’s roles as stabilizing forces in South Asia and the Gulf, with a mutual understanding of the importance of multilateral cooperation.