Qatar’s Emir due to arrive in India after nearly a decade

Dubai: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is due to arrive on a state visit on Monday, marking his first trip to the country in nearly ten years.

This visit is expected to strengthen the growing partnership between the two nations in key sectors such as trade, energy, investment, technology, and regional cooperation.

Invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Emir during his two-day visit will be accompanied by a high-level delegation consisting of ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the importance of the visit, emphasising the long-standing historical ties between India and Qatar, based on trust, friendship, and mutual respect.

“This visit will be a significant milestone in furthering our multifaceted cooperation,” the MEA stated, underscoring the strong bilateral relationship that covers multiple domains.

This includes the large Indian expatriate community in Qatar, which plays a vital role in the country’s progress and development.

One of the key areas on the agenda will be the strengthening of energy ties, particularly as Qatar remains India’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The visit comes at a time when both countries are eager to explore more avenues for collaboration in the energy sector, trade, and technology.

Notably, the Emir’s trip follows Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Doha last February, which included discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation, and the release of eight Indian Navy personnel detained in Qatar.