Qatar’s $10 Billion Investment in Bharat: A New Era of Strategic Partnership

Paromita Das

New Delhi.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic outreach has once again made headlines, this time with his grand welcome of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, on February 17, 2025. The rare personal reception at New Delhi airport underscored the deepening ties between Bharat and Qatar, marking the beginning of a historic two-day state visit.

This visit was more than just a diplomatic formality—it resulted in a $10 billion investment deal, strengthened economic cooperation, and an elevated strategic partnership between the two nations. With a trade target of $28 billion by 2030, this renewed engagement signifies Bharat’s growing influence in the Gulf and its efforts to solidify relations with key players in the Middle East’s economic and geopolitical landscape.

Beyond trade and investment, the visit also focused on energy security, defense cooperation, and strategic regional partnerships, reinforcing the fact that Qatar is no longer just an energy supplier to Bharat but an important strategic ally.

A Grand Welcome for ‘Brother’ Al-Thani

Breaking diplomatic protocol, PM Modi personally welcomed the Emir of Qatar upon his arrival in New Delhi—a gesture that carries significant political weight. The last time Modi extended such a personal reception was in 2018 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Modi shared his sentiments, stating:

“Went to the airport to welcome my brother, Emir of Qatar, H H Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Wishing him a fruitful stay in India and looking forward to our meeting tomorrow.”

This symbolic display of warmth and camaraderie signals Bharat’s intent to deepen its engagement with Qatar, a country that plays a pivotal role in the Gulf region.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and top officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) were also present, further emphasizing the importance of this visit in Bharat’s foreign policy.

The Emir was given a ceremonial reception, complete with cultural performances by Bharatiya artists, making his arrival a grand affair. This was Sheikh Tamim’s first visit to Bharat since 2015, and the welcome reflected Bharat’s recognition of Qatar as a key regional partner.

Bharat-Qatar Relations: From Economic Ties to Strategic Partnership

Over the past decade, Bharat has strengthened its relations with Gulf nations, and Qatar is no exception. Traditionally, Qatar has maintained close ties with Pakistan, especially concerning Kashmir-related discussions at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). However, under Modi’s leadership, Bharat has significantly improved relations with Qatar, ensuring that the country remains neutral on Bharat’s internal affairs.

$10 Billion Investment Deal & Trade Expansion

The biggest takeaway from the Emir’s visit was Qatar’s pledge to invest $10 billion in key Bharatiya sectors, including:

• Infrastructure
• Technology
• Food processing
• Logistics
• Hospitality

This massive investment is a part of Bharat’s strategic economic diplomacy, ensuring that global capital flows into Bharat’s growing economy.

Additionally, both nations have set an ambitious trade target of $28 billion by 2030, marking a significant increase from the current bilateral trade of approximately $20 billion.

Qatar’s Role in Bharat’s Energy Security

Qatar remains one of Bharat’s most critical energy partners. It supplies:

• 48% of Bharat’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports
• 29% of Bharat’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports

Given Bharat’s rising energy needs, this partnership ensures stable and uninterrupted energy supplies, reducing Bharat’s reliance on volatile global markets.

Bharatiya Businesses in Qatar & Expatriate Influence

Bharat has a strong economic footprint in Qatar, with over 15,000 Bharatiya businesses operating in the country, contributing around $450 million in investments.

Moreover, Bharatiya constitute the largest expatriate community in Qatar, with over 840,000 Bharatiya nationals working across healthcare, engineering, finance, education, and media. Their contribution to Qatar’s economy remains significant, and strong diplomatic ties ensure their welfare and employment security.

The Ex-Navy Officers Case: Diplomatic Maturity in Action

One of the biggest concerns in Bharat-Qatar relations has been the case of eight former Indian Navy officers, who were detained in Doha in August 2022 on espionage charges. Initially sentenced to death, diplomatic negotiations led to a commutation of their sentences, and by February 2024, seven of them were released.

This sensitive case tested Bharat’s diplomatic strength, and Qatar’s willingness to release the officers reflects the success of behind-the-scenes negotiations. The resolution of this issue reinforced mutual trust and set a positive tone for the Emir’s visit.

Defense Cooperation & Regional Security

Bharat and Qatar have steadily expanded defense ties, with both nations engaging in:

• Regular military exercises
• Naval security collaboration
• Defense technology exchanges

Bharat participates in Qatar’s Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX), showcasing its defense expertise and strengthening military-to-military relations.

Qatar’s strategic location in West Asia makes it a crucial ally in regional security matters. The country has played an active role in peace talks between Israel and Hamas, while also maintaining diplomatic channels with the Taliban. As Bharat navigates its diplomatic approach towards Afghanistan, Qatar serves as an essential conduit for intelligence sharing.

With growing instability in West Asia and the Middle East, Qatar’s mediation capabilities offer Bharat a strategic advantage in dealing with regional crises.

Why Qatar’s Visit Matters for Bharat

PM Modi’s exceptional diplomatic gesture and the success of the visit reflect Bharat’s growing influence in the Gulf region.

Qatar, once considered closer to Pakistan, is now firmly strengthening its ties with Bharat, moving away from regional biases. This shift is significant, considering Qatar’s previous positions at the OIC regarding Kashmir.

The $10 billion investment deal is a testament to Bharat’s economic rise, proving that global players see Bharat as a reliable and attractive investment destination. The strengthening of energy security, expansion of trade, and military cooperation all point to a long-term strategic alignment.

Bharat’s ability to maintain strong relations with both Iran and Qatar, despite their regional rivalries, further demonstrates its diplomatic agility. The Gulf is no longer just an oil supplier to Bharat—it is a key economic and security partner.

Conclusion: Modi’s Personal Diplomacy Secures Bharat’s Interests

PM Modi’s unique diplomatic style has once again paid off, as seen in Qatar’s unprecedented investment pledge and strategic alignment with Bharat.

The grand welcome of the Emir, the resolution of the ex-Navy officers’ case, and the expansion of economic and defense ties all indicate a new chapter in Bharat-Qatar relations.

By elevating the partnership to a strategic level, Bharat is ensuring long-term economic benefits, regional influence, and geopolitical leverage in the Middle East.

As Bharat continues to expand its global footprint, this strengthened relationship with Qatar is a testament to its evolving role as a diplomatic powerhouse.