PM, Qatar Emir discuss ways to deepen ties

Tribune News Service

Sandeep Dikshit

New Delhi, February 15

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to strengthen bilateral ties but neither side spoke on Doha freeing eight former Indian Navy personnel who were sentenced to death or the $78 billion deal to import Qatari gas from 2029 for the next 20 years, said to be the world’s largest-ever extension of a gas contract.

Cooperation in trade, technology

India looks forward to scaling up cooperation in key sectors relating to trade, investment, technology and culture…. India and Qatar ties are growing stronger and stronger! PM Modi on X

“Had a wonderful meeting with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad. We reviewed the full range of India-Qatar relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation across various sectors. Our nations also look forward to collaborating in futuristic sectors which will benefit our planet,” posted the PM on X.

PM Modi arrived in Doha on Wednesday night after a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. Shortly after his arrival, Modi met Qatari Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

“The two leaders exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, energy, finance, and technology. They also discussed recent regional developments in West Asia and emphasised the importance of upholding peace and stability in the region and beyond,” said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). “During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two friendly countries and ways to support and develop them, especially in the fields of energy, commerce and investment,” said the Qatari Foreign Ministry.

Following the meeting, the Qatari PM hosted a dinner for Modi. The meeting was also attended by the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the PM Modi had emplaned for Delhi after a fruitful visit to Qatar. “Wrapping up an important chapter in India-Qatar ties, the PM emplanes for New Delhi after a fruitful visit,” he posted on X.

“My visit to Qatar has added new strength to the friendship between India and Qatar. India looks forward to expanding cooperation in key sectors related to trade, investment, technology and culture. I thank the government and people of Qatar for their hospitality,” posted the PM on X.

PM Modi had last met the Qatari Amir on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai when the fate of the eight ex-Navy men hung in balance.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

#Indian Navy #Narendra Modi #Qatar