External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held high-level discussions with Qatar’s senior leadership in Doha on Sunday, 16 November 2025, focusing on the full spectrum of the bilateral partnership, from energy cooperation and trade to regional security issues. During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, for wide-ranging talks that reaffirmed the growing strategic ties between New Delhi and Doha. He later called on Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, underscoring India’s commitment to deepening engagement with the Gulf nation.
In a post shared on X, Dr. Jaishankar described his meeting with the Qatari Prime Minister as constructive and forward-looking. He noted that the two sides reviewed key pillars of their strategic partnership, including long-standing energy linkages, expanding trade and investment, and the role of the large Indian community living and working in Qatar. He also highlighted their exchange of perspectives on developments in the Middle East and broader West Asian region, an area where Qatar continues to play an influential diplomatic role.
Qatar’s state-run news agency reported that both leaders discussed ways to reinforce cooperation across multiple sectors, signalling mutual interest in strengthening the already robust economic relationship. Later in the day, Dr. Jaishankar met the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and conveyed India’s intention to further advance bilateral ties. In another post on X, the External Affairs Minister said he valued the Amir’s guidance on enhancing collaboration and exploring new areas of partnership.
India and Qatar have maintained close engagement in recent years, particularly in the energy sector, with Qatar being one of India’s principal suppliers of liquefied natural gas. Bilateral trade stood at $14.08 billion in the 2023–24 financial year, according to figures from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Dr. Jaishankar’s visit comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region, offering both sides an opportunity to reaffirm strategic priorities and identify fresh avenues for cooperation.
