During his visit to Doha, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to discuss various aspects of the bilateral relationship. The focus was on political, trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and people-to-people ties between the two countries. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, with Sheikh Mohammed holding the foreign minister portfolio as well.
In a post on social media, Mr Jaishankar expressed his delight at meeting with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar. He conveyed warm wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the bilateral relationship in various key areas. The parties shared insights on regional and global issues during their meeting, with a specific mention of the situation in Gaza.
The visit by Mr Jaishankar comes after Qatar released eight former Indian Navy personnel who had been sentenced to death after their arrest in August 2022. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi stated that the visit would allow both sides to review different 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.
The visit builds on the historic and friendly relations between India and Qatar, which have been characterized by regular high-level visits between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Qatar in February included discussions with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The exchange during Mr Jaishankar’s visit reinforces the commitment to further enhancing the India-Qatar relationship and having continued dialogue on mutual interests.