Tue Feb 18 11:34:20 UTC 2025: ## India and Qatar Forge Strategic Partnership, Aiming for Increased Trade and FTA

**New Delhi, February 18, 2025** – India and Qatar have elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani announced today. The agreement, signed during the Amir’s visit to New Delhi, aims to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and security, as well as in regional and international forums.

The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict. While both sides shared their perspectives on the situation, India reiterated its support for a two-state solution and welcomed the recent ceasefire. India’s stance on a controversial US proposal to relocate Palestinians remains unclear, with officials avoiding direct comment on the plan.

The strategic partnership is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, with a goal of doubling it to $28 billion. A double taxation avoidance treaty was also signed. Discussions are underway for a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Qatar, alongside ongoing negotiations for an FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a whole.

The visit comes just two days before a five-Arab states summit in Riyadh, where the US is expected to further present its proposals regarding the Gaza crisis.

A key issue addressed during the talks was the continued detention of a former Indian Navy commander, Purnendu Tiwary, in Qatar. While seven other Indian navy officials detained in the same case were repatriated in 2024, Mr. Tiwary’s case remains under consideration by Qatari courts. The Indian government is actively working on his repatriation. The large Indian diaspora working in Qatar was also highlighted, with officials noting that around 600 Indians are currently imprisoned in Qatar, with 85 receiving pardons in 2024.

The new strategic partnership is also expected to include a security component, though details remain unspecified. A Joint Business Forum, involving leading Indian and Qatari businesses, was also held alongside the official discussions. India has now signed strategic partnerships with Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia among the GCC member states.

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