Amidst the urban landscape of Doha, the capital of Qatar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in substantive discussions with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The focal point of their talks revolved around fortifying bilateral relations, a significant development following Qatar’s release of eight former Indian Navy personnel. These individuals had previously faced the ominous sentence of death after their arrest in August 2022.
Having arrived in the Qatari capital after concluding a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, Modi promptly met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who also serves as Qatar’s foreign minister. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that the two leaders exchanged perspectives on expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors, encompassing trade, investment, energy, finance, and technology.
An aura of diplomacy enveloped their discussions, delving into recent regional developments in West Asia. Both leaders underscored the paramount importance of upholding peace and stability in the region and extending this commitment beyond its borders. Following their deliberations, the Qatari prime minister hosted a dinner in honor of Modi, fostering a convivial atmosphere.
Modi’s second visit to Qatar closely followed the release of the Indian Navy personnel by the Qatari authorities. Originally sentenced to death on October 26 by Qatar’s Court of First Instance, their fate took a turn on December 28 when the Court of Appeal commuted the capital punishment to varying jail terms. The circumstances surrounding charges of espionage against these former Navy veterans remained undisclosed by both Qatari authorities and New Delhi.
Against the backdrop of these diplomatic maneuvers, India and Qatar witnessed a surge in trade and energy ties. Qatar, holding the position as the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India, boasts a share of over 48% in India’s global LNG imports. A significant stride in this partnership was marked by India’s Petronet renewing a contract to procure 7.5 million tonnes of LNG annually from Qatar, starting in 2029 and spanning two decades. This extension is hailed as the largest-ever commitment to super-chilled fuel globally.
The origins of this robust energy collaboration trace back to a deal signed in 1999, with supplies commencing in 2004. The renewal signifies the enduring strength of the India-Qatar cooperation, which has been steadily expanding across diverse sectors in recent years.
Prime Minister Modi’s inaugural visit to Doha in June 2016 provided a pivotal opportunity for both nations to engage at the highest diplomatic levels, breathing fresh vitality into their bilateral ties. This visit stands as the highest-level interaction between India and Qatar since the esteemed visit of then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2008.