India–Qatar relations explained

India–Qatar relations
Party1:Qatar
Party2:India
Map:India Qatar Locator.png
Mission1:Embassy of Qatar, New Delhi, India
Mission2:Embassy of India, Doha, Qatar
Envoytitle1:Qatari Ambassador to India
Envoy1:Mohammed bin Khater Al Khater
Envoytitle2:Indian Ambassador to Qatar
Envoy2:Vipul[1] [2]

India–Qatar relations refers to the bilateral ties between India and Qatar. India maintains an embassy in Doha,[3] while Qatar maintains an embassy in New Delhi and a consulate in Mumbai.[4]

History

Diplomatic relations between India and Qatar were established in 1973.[5]

During a visit made by Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in March 2015, five MoUs entailing co-operation in several fields were signed. Additionally, an agreement on prisoner repatriation was made. According to this agreement, citizens of India or Qatar who are convicted and sentenced for a crime can be extradited to their native country to spend the remaining years of their prison sentence.[6] [7]

In June 2024, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Doha, underscoring the increasing importance of Middle Eastern relations in India's foreign policy. Jaishankar met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, to review the bilateral ties. While the Ministry of External Affairs' statement was brief, it highlighted historic and friendly relations, covering a range of topics including trade, investment, energy, and security. This visit followed Jaishankar’s trip to the UAE, where India-UAE relations have seen significant growth, evidenced by a trade volume of $83.74 billion in 2023-2024. Qatar and India’s relationship is deepening, particularly with the recent $78 billion LNG deal between QatarEnergy and India’s Petronet, which is set to save India $6 billion. Despite some complexities, India's strategic engagement with Qatar is bolstered by the significant Indian expatriate population in Qatar, forming about 25% of its populace, primarily as migrant workers.[8]

Diplomatic visits

Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani made diplomatic visits to India in April 1999, May 2005 and April 2012.[5]

On 4 June 2016 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Doha on a two-day visit which was focused on giving a new push to the economic ties, particularly in the hydrocarbon sector. During the visit he shared a meal with Indian workers living in Qatar and also addressed the NRIs at a gala event.[9] [10]

Military relations

During the first-ever diplomatic visit to Qatar made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India in November 2008, a maritime defence agreement was approved between the two countries. The agreement was described by Indian government officials as a 'landmark' that would permit mutual maritime defence training and facilitate mutual visits. Indian officials have described the agreement as “just short of stationing troops”.[11] An agreement pertaining to law enforcement and national security was also signed during the meeting. This agreement was made with the intent of exchanging classified information in order to assist in suppressing threats raised by extremist elements.[12] As part of these agreements, the inaugural India-Qatar Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation meeting was hosted in the Qatari capital Doha in 2008. This was followed by a second meeting in New Delhi in 2011 and a third meeting in Doha in 2013.[13]

Za’ir-Al-Bahr

Za’ir-Al-Bahr (Roar of the Sea) is a joint exercise between the Qatari Emiri Navy and the Indian Navy. Its inaugural edition was conducted during 17–21 November 2019 at Doha. This inaugural edition of the Bilateral Maritime Exercise between the two navies would further strengthen the robust defence co-operation between the two countries, especially in the fight against terrorism, maritime piracy and maritime security.[14]

Economic relations

In 2008, Qatar agreed to invest US$5 billion in India's energy sector.[15] A deep-sea gas pipeline from Qatar to India through Oman has also been proposed.[16]

In January 2016, Qatar agreed to decrease the selling price of gas to India from $12–13 per unit to $6–7 per unit. This deal came as a result of the global reduction in gas prices and the surplus in gas supply worldwide. In addition to reducing the price, Qatar also agreed to exempt India of the fee that was owed due to India's non-compliance in importing gas shipments which were previously agreed on in 2015.[17]

Bilateral trade

India amounted to $1.2 billion, or 3.8% of its overall exports in 2014. At a value of $215.3 million, cereals were India's top exported commodity to Qatar. Machinery came second at $108.6 million. The export value for electronic equipment was $93.2 million, making it the third most significant Indian export to Qatar.[18]

Qatari exports to India totaled $16.8 billion, or 12.7% of its overall exports in 2014. The highest valued export commodity is oil, of which $14.9 billion worth has been exported from Qatar to India. Vying for second place is plastics; a recorded $700.8 million worth has been exported to India. The third highest valued Qatari export to India is organic chemicals, accounting for a total of $554 million.[19]

During his June 2016 visit to Qatar, PM Narendra Modi urged Qatari business leaders to invest in India and take advantage of India's investment-friendly policies. He assuaged the concerns of Qatari businessmen and assured them that economic bottlenecks will be resolved in the months ahead.[20]

Indian diaspora

See main article: Indians in Qatar. Indian expats are the largest in numbers and make up around 25% of the Qatar population and approx population of Indians in Qatar as of 2023 is around 7.5 Lakh.[21] [22]

Conflict

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ambassador of India. Embassy of India, Doha. 23 August 2023. 23 August 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230823125918/https://indianembassyqatar.gov.in/eoidhpages?. live.
  2. Web site: Amir receives credentials of five new ambassadors. Gulf Times. 23 August 2023. 23 August 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230823024501/https://www.gulf-times.com/article/666678/qatar/amir-receives-credentials-of-five-new-ambassadors. live.
  3. Web site: Embassy of India in Doha, Qatar. EmbassyPages.com. 2 January 2016. 4 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060812/http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy4830/. live.
  4. Web site: Embassy of Qatar in New Delhi, India. EmbassyPages.com. 2 January 2016. 4 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051649/http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy9301/. live.
  5. Web site: India Qatar Bilateral Relations. Embassy of India in Doha, Qatar. 2 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160103090245/http://indianembassyqatar.gov.in/pages/bilateralrelations.php. 3 January 2016. dead.
  6. Web site: India, Qatar ink six agreements during Emir's visit. Zee News. 25 March 2015. 2 January 2016. 15 October 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151015123900/http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/india-qatar-ink-six-agreements-during-emirs-visit_1567425.html. live.
  7. Web site: India welcomes Qatar Emir, inks six agreements. Hindustan Times. 26 March 2015. 2 January 2016. 4 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102626/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/india-welcomes-qatar-emir-inks-six-agreements/story-yCQNoefyCNcsfO0OKrJAUI.html. live.
  8. Web site: 2024-07-07 . Eye on the Middle East Challenges and opportunities in Delhi-Doha ties . 2024-07-10 . Hindustan Times . en.
  9. Web site: 'India Is A Land Of Opportunity', PM Modi Tells Business Leaders In Qatar. NDTV.com. 2016-06-06. 2019-10-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20191012175727/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-business-leaders-in-qatar-1415643. live.
  10. News: Prime Minister Modi to visit Qatar in June. 2016-05-20. The Times of India. 20 May 2016. 2017-05-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20170520131033/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Prime-Minister-Modi-to-visit-Qatar-in-June/articleshow/52361534.cms. live.
  11. Web site: Indian PM's Visit to Oman and Qatar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. idsa.in. en. 2018-04-02. 2018-04-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20180402225450/https://idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/IndianPMsVisittoOmanandQatar_ZHussain_021208. live.
  12. News: India signs defence pact. Sandeep Dikshit. The Hindu. 11 November 2008. 2 January 2015. 28 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231028042137/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/India-signs-defence-pact-with-Qatar/article15339559.ece. live.
  13. Web site: Qatar and India Continue To Strengthen Military Ties. Future Directions International. 2 October 2013. 2 January 2016. 24 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924020224/http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publications/indian-ocean/29-indian-ocean-swa/1356-qatar-and-india-continue-to-strengthen-military-ties.html. dead.
  14. Web site: Joint Exercise Between the Qatari Emiri Navy and the Indian Navy Forces (The Roar of the Sea). India Strategic.
  15. News: Qatar to invest $5 billion in India . https://web.archive.org/web/20081218070835/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/12/stories/2008111261371200.htm . dead . 18 December 2008 . Sandeep Dikshit. 12 November 2008 . . 2 January 2016.
  16. Web site: Bhardwaj . Priyanka . A Qatar-to-India Pipeline? . Energy Tribune . https://web.archive.org/web/20120226125132/http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=2245. 26 February 2012.
  17. Web site: Qatar halves gas price, waives India's Rs 12,000cr liability. Times of India. 1 January 2016. 2 January 2016. 2 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160102020613/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Qatar-halves-gas-price-waives-Indias-Rs-12000cr-liability/articleshow/50401540.cms. live.
  18. Web site: Top Qatar Imports 2014. worldsrichestcountries.com. 2 January 2016. 11 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160111071328/http://www.worldsrichestcountries.com/top_qatar_imports.html. live.
  19. Web site: Top Qatar Exports 2014. worldsrichestcountries.com. 2 January 2016. 13 April 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160413004130/http://www.worldsrichestcountries.com/top_qatar_exports.html. live.
  20. News: Grab investment opportunities in India: PM Narendra Modi to Qatari firms - The Economic Times. The Economic Times. 5 June 2016. 2016-06-06. 2016-06-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20160605101653/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/grab-investment-opportunities-in-india-pm-narendra-modi-to-qatari-firms/articleshow/52600970.cms. live.
  21. News: 2022-11-21 . Vice President of India says 7.80 lakh strong Indian community in Qatar is a living bridge . The Times of India . 2023-08-21 . 0971-8257 . 2023-08-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230821200120/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vice-president-jagdeep-dhankhar-interacts-with-indian-community-in-doha/articleshow/95659045.cms . live .
  22. Web site: admin . 2021-10-13 . Indian population in Qatar 2023 . 2023-08-21 . Find Easy . en-US . 2023-08-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230821200123/https://www.findeasy.in/indian-population-in-qatar/ . live .
  23. News: Qatar summons Indian envoy to protest controversial remarks against Prophet. The Hindustan Times. 5 June 2022. 8 June 2022. 7 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220607200740/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/qatar-summons-indian-envoy-to-protest-controversial-remarks-against-prophet-101654438844878.html. live.
  24. News: After 'respect all religions' statement, BJP wields axe, expels two key spokespersons. The Indian Express. 6 June 2022. 8 June 2022. 7 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220607030608/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-suspends-nupur-sharma-naveen-jindal-7953884/. live.
  25. News: We expect public apology from India: Qatar to Centre over Nupur Sharma's religious remark. The Zee News. 5 June 2022. 8 June 2022. 8 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220608054315/https://zeenews.india.com/india/qatar-summons-indian-envoy-over-nupur-sharmas-controversial-remark-on-prophet-mohammad-2470813.html. live.
  26. News: 8 ex-India navy officers accused of spying on Qatar for Israel . Middle East Monitor . 20 April 2023 . 28 October 2023 . 27 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231027155504/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230420-8-ex-india-navy-officers-accused-of-spying-on-qatar-for-israel/ . live .
  27. Web site: 2023-10-26 . Qatar court sentences 8 ex-Indian Navy officers to death, MEA says exploring legal options . 2023-10-26 . The Indian Express . en . 2023-10-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231026140713/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/8-ex-indian-navy-officers-get-death-penalty-in-qatar-9000475/ . live .
  28. News: October 26, 2023 . Indian Employee's Death Sentence in Qatar for Alleged Spying on Submarine . The Washington Post . October 27, 2023 . October 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231028042122/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/10/26/indian-employees-death-sentence-qatar-spying-submarine/406f796c-73f7-11ee-936d-7a16ee667359_story.html . live .
  29. Web site: Bachner . Michael . Qatar sentences 8 Indians to death, reportedly on charges of spying for Israel . The Times of Israel . 26 October 2023 . 26 October 2023 . 26 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231026163632/https://www.timesofisrael.com/qatar-sentences-8-indians-to-death-reportedly-on-charges-of-spying-for-israel . live .
  30. Web site: 8 ex-Indian Navy personnel sentenced to death in Qatar; New Delhi says deeply shocked . Hindustan Times . 26 October 2023 . en . 26 October 2023 . 26 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231026194805/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/8-ex-navy-personnel-sentenced-to-death-by-qatar-court-india-says-deeply-shocked-101698319804115-amp.html . live .
  31. Web site: Qatar releases former Indian navy officers after dropping death sentences . 2024-02-12 . Al Jazeera . en.
  32. Web site: 12 February 2024 . Qatar frees eight Indians months after dropping death sentences . 12 February 2024 . Reuters.

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