India-Qatar Dialogue: Expanding Energy Security

Context

On November 16, 2025, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar, held a key meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, in Doha. During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on bilateral relations, energy cooperation, trade, investment, and regional and global issues. 

India-Qatar Dialogue: Key Outcomes

• Commitment to further strengthen their strategic partnership between the two countries
• Agreement to explore new opportunities to ensure stability in the energy sector, especially LNG supplies
• Emphasis on expanding trade and investment cooperation
• Shared vision for peace and stability in West Asia
• Promotion of people-to-people contacts, labor cooperation, and economic partnership

India-Qatar Bilateral Relations

Historical

• Relations between India and Qatar are based on centuries-old trade ties. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1973.
• Over time, the two countries have become strong partners in energy, trade, investment, and security cooperation.

Trade

• India-Qatar bilateral trade stood at $14.08 billion in 2023-24.
• Qatar primarily exports LNG, LPG, petroleum products, and chemicals to India.
• India exports rice, marine products, steel, machinery, electronic goods, etc. to Qatar.
• Qatar is a major energy provider to India, and a large portion of India's LNG requirements come from Qatar.

Defense Relations

• There is a defense cooperation agreement between the two countries. The Indian Navy and the Qatari Navy conduct regular cooperation exercises.
• Intelligence sharing, maritime security, and counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries have also strengthened.

Cultural Relations

• Approximately 850,000 Indians reside in Qatar, constituting its largest expatriate population.
• The Indian community plays a significant role in education, health, trade, and industry.
• There are close cultural ties between the two countries through art, music, sports, and cultural festivals.

Tourism

• Qatar is an emerging attraction for Indian tourists, especially Doha, the Pearl Qatar, and the Islamic Art Museum.
• Strong air connectivity between India and Qatar promotes both tourism and trade.