“Indian PM’s Qatar Visit Bolsters Relations Amid Release of Naval Veterans”
On Monday, foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra announced during a press conference that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday following the conclusion of his trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
PM Modi’s schedule in Qatar entails discussions with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, along with other high-ranking officials. This trip signifies Modi’s inaugural visit to Qatar since 2016.
Kwatra highlighted the progressing bilateral connection between India and Qatar, encompassing political relations, trade and investment connections, a robust energy partnership, as well as cultural, educational, and security ties. He also emphasized Qatar’s significant investments in India, alongside the substantial bilateral trade amounting to approximately $20 billion.
The announcement of the visit coincides with Qatar’s decision to release eight Indian navy veterans, who had previously been sentenced to death by a Qatari court in 2023 for espionage charges while working for the Al Dahra company.
“We deeply appreciate Qatar’s government and the Emir for this decision. We are pleased to have seven of these individuals back in India. The eighth individual has also been released, and we are in ongoing discussions with the Qatari government to facilitate their return to India as soon as possible,” Kwatra stated.
He noted that Prime Minister Modi personally oversaw all developments in the case.
Prime Minister Modi had a meeting with Qatar’s Emir in December 2023 during the CoP28 climate summit in Dubai. Following this meeting, the death sentences of the navy veterans were rescinded.
The upcoming visit to Qatar will address various aspects of the bilateral partnership and regional affairs.
Qatar, an essential provider of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India, recently extended its agreement with India’s Petronet LNG for $78 billion, ensuring LNG supplies until 2048. This extension builds upon a 25-year deal set to conclude in 2028.
With approximately 840,000 members, the Indian diaspora in Qatar holds significant importance for India.
“It’s challenging to gauge Qatar’s motives in this matter. However, one factor is likely its desire to maintain positive bilateral relations. Qatar recognizes India as a robust economy and seeks to preserve good ties. For India, factors such as investments from Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund and ensuring energy security are crucial. Thus, it was imperative for both parties to sustain bilateral relations despite the case involving imprisoned naval veterans. Ultimately, the outcome benefits both sides,” stated Kabir Taneja, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a think tank based in New Delhi.
