India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, in Doha on Sunday. The meeting aimed to review bilateral relations with a focus on political, trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and people-to-people ties. Jaishankar, who arrived in Doha for a day-long visit, also exchanged views with Sheikh Mohammed on regional and global issues, including the situation in Gaza.
In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed his delight at meeting the Qatari Prime Minister and conveyed the greetings and warm wishes of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Amir and Sheikh Mohammed. He highlighted the review of bilateral relations focusing on various key areas including trade, investment, energy, technology, and people-to-people ties. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Sheikh Mohammed’s insights on the Gaza situation and expressed anticipation for further strengthening of India-Qatar relations and continued dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
Jaishankar’s visit comes four-and-a-half months after Qatar released eight former Indian Navy personnel who were sentenced to death after being arrested in August 2022. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar was received at the airport by Chief of Protocol Ibrahim Fakhroo.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi had stated on Saturday that the visit would enable both sides to review various aspects of bilateral relations, including political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural and people-to-people ties, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Qatar from February 14 to 15 and held discussions with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The MEA emphasized that India and Qatar share historic and friendly relations marked by regular high-level visits.
