In a notable diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, upon his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Monday. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was also present during the reception.
Sharing his thoughts on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “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.”
The Qatari leader is in India for a two-day state visit from February 17 to 18, during which he is scheduled to meet PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the visit is expected to further strengthen the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and Qatar.
Accompanied by a high-ranking delegation of ministers, senior officials, and business leaders, the Amir will hold discussions with PM Modi on Tuesday to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The visit will also include the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding collaboration between the two nations.
This marks Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s second official visit to India, following his first trip in March 2015. His visit comes at the invitation of PM Modi, underscoring the deepening ties between New Delhi and Doha.
A joint business forum, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Commerce Ministry, is set to take place in New Delhi on Tuesday. The event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to explore trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will deliver the inaugural address in the presence of the Amir of Qatar. According to an official statement, the forum aims to strengthen economic ties, drive investment, and encourage technological collaboration between India and Qatar.
India and Qatar share strong diplomatic and economic relations, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, energy, technology, and cultural exchanges. The MEA emphasized that the Indian diaspora in Qatar, which constitutes the largest expatriate community in the Gulf nation, is widely recognized for its contribution to the country’s progress and development.
