December 29, 2020: India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar paid a two day visit to Qatar from 27-28 December 2020. During the visit he called on His Highnesses The Amir and Father Amir as well as the Prime Minister and Interior Minister of the State of Qatar and held detailed discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. They discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and ways to strengthen the multifaceted bilateral relationship in areas such as energy, trade, investment, food processing, healthcare, education, culture, defence, and security.
“Great meeting FM @DrSJaishankar of India in Doha today. Reviewed #Qatar #India bilateral cooperation, particularly in economy & investment, and Indian labor’s contributions to the country,” tweeted H.E. Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on December 28.
Dr. S. Jaishankar thanked H.H. Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for taking care of the Indian community in Qatar during Covid-19. Qatar is home to 7,56,000 Indian nationals engaged in a wide spectrum of professions including medicine, engineering, education, finance, banking, business, and media apart from a large number of blue-collared workers.
During a telephone conversation earlier in December, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and H.H. Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani decided to set up task forces on investment and energy. The investments will be facilitated by Qatar Investment Authority in India.
Prime Minister of Qatar and Minister of Interior H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani and Dr Jaishankar discussed strengthening bilateral economic and security cooperation between India and Qatar.
India and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 1973. Since then, both countries have expanded the bilateral cooperation in various sectors including defence, commercial and investment, tourism, and culture. In 2019, both countries held a joint Naval exercise named Za’ir-Al-Bahr (Roar of the Sea).
In an interaction with the business leaders from Qatar, including the Chairmen and board members of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Businessmen Association, Dr Jaishankar appreciated their commitment for business partnerships with India and briefed them about new opportunities arising from “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Dr Jaishankar visited Qatar National Museum and held a virtual interaction with the Indian community in Qatar.
“Understanding the historical connections between India and Qatar. Gujarat (literally) was an important door for commerce and contacts. At the Qatar National Museum,” tweeted Dr Jaishankar.
He also visited the Ahmed bin Ali FIFA Stadium that has been constructed by Indian company L&T along with Qatari partners Al Balagh group. The FIFA 2022 tournament is scheduled to be held in Qatar.
