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How does one feel when greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport? Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani experienced this honor on Monday, February 17, 2023, as he landed in India for a two-day state visit. This visit underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations and the importance of their bilateral relations.
A Warm Welcome for ‘Brother’
The Qatar Emir’s arrival in New Delhi was met with a warm and ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Modi personally greeted the Emir, calling him a ‘brother,’ and expressed his anticipation for the talks ahead.
Went to the airport to welcome my brother, Amir of Qatar H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Wishing him a fruitful stay in India and looking forward to our meeting tomorrow.@TamimBinHamad pic.twitter.com/seReF2N26V
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2025
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, called the visit a “special gesture for a special friend.” Besides Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was also present to welcome the Emir.
On arrival, the Qatar Emir was also greeted with a cultural performance by Indian artists, further cementing the strong cultural ties between the two nations.
Qatar Emir’s Two-Day State Visit
Sheikh Al Thani’s visit aims to focus on several crucial areas including trade, investment, energy, and technology. Upon his arrival, he met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
“Honoured to call on H H @TamimBinHamad, Emir of Qatar on his arrival in New Delhi for a state visit. Value his guidance on advancing our cooperation in many domains. Confident that his talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will deepen our close bonds of friendship,” Jaishankar tweeted.
The ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan is on the agenda for February 18, followed by meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit to deepen economic and strategic cooperation.
Significance of Qatar Emir’s Visit to India
The visit symbolizes the improved relationship between Qatar and India, which has seen significant progress over the past decade. Bilateral trade has surged to around $20 billion, driven largely by energy exports. Qatar is India’s largest supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Piped Gas (LPG).
Both countries are eager to expand their trade basket and explore new sectors such as renewable energy, fintech, startups, and technology. This diversification aims to enhance economic partnership beyond energy reliance.
In the defense sector, India and Qatar share a strong collaboration. Indian defense institutions offer training slots to Qatar, and India participates in Qatar’s biennial maritime defense exhibitions. Regular visits by Indian naval ships to Qatar also demonstrate robust defense cooperation.
Cultural ties between the two nations are strong and beneficial. Indians form the largest expatriate community in Qatar, engaged in various sectors ranging from healthcare to construction.
However, one lingering issue remains: the case of eight former Indian Navy personnel detained in Qatar in 2022 on espionage charges. Following Delhi’s intervention, seven of these veterans were released to India in February 2024, with the death sentence commuted.
Qatar’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts, particularly in the Israel-Hamas war, adds to its strategic importance. It also hosts meetings between the Taliban and global powers, indicating its pivotal role in regional stability.
Harsh V Pant, professor of International Relations at King’s India Institute, highlights Qatar’s potential in conveying Taliban views to India. As India engages with the Taliban for regional and economic reasons, Qatar’s facilitation could prove valuable.
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