External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was in Doha on a day-long visit where he met Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The two leaders discussed various aspects of the bilateral relationship, focusing on political, trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues. Jaishankar expressed his gratitude for the insights shared by Sheikh Mohammed on the Gaza situation and conveyed warm wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Jaishankar’s visit to Qatar comes after the release of eight former Indian Navy personnel, who were sentenced to death, by the Qatari government. The visit aims to enhance India-Qatar relations and continue dialogue on mutual interests. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi highlighted that the visit would allow 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.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar was welcomed at the airport by Chief of Protocol Ibrahim Fakhroo. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Qatar in February further strengthened the historic and friendly relations between the two countries. Regular high-level exchanges between India and Qatar have been a hallmark of their relationship. The MEA emphasized the importance of the visit in fostering closer ties and cooperation between the two nations.