Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Visits India
On February 17, 2023, Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in New Delhi for a two-day state visit. He was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport, where they shared a hug and Modi described the Amir as a "brother."
The Amir is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, and a business delegation. This visit marks his second state visit to India, the first occurring in March 2015.
During his visit, the Amir will hold discussions with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These discussions will cover various aspects of the bilateral relationship, including trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and people-to-people ties. A meeting of the India-Qatar Joint Business Forum will also be held.
The visit is expected to further strengthen the growing multifaceted partnership between the two countries. India and Qatar have historically close ties and regular engagement, including at the highest levels of government. Their cooperation in diverse sectors has been steadily growing.
Defense cooperation is an important pillar of the bilateral agenda. India offers training slots in its defense institutions to several partner countries, including Qatar. India also regularly participates in the biennial Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) in Qatar. Indian Naval and Coast Guard ships regularly visit Qatar as part of bilateral cooperation and interaction.
India's bilateral trade with Qatar in 2022-23 was USD 18.77 billion. India's exports to Qatar during 2022-23 were USD 1.96 billion, while India's imports from Qatar were USD 16.8 billion.
Qatar's key exports to India include LNG, LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals, plastics, and aluminum articles. India's key exports to Qatar include cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, fruits, spices, and processed food products, electrical and other machinery, plastic products, construction material, textiles and garments, chemicals, precious stones, and rubber.