India-qatar Relations
INDIA-QATAR RELATIONS
INTRODUCTION
India and Qatar have long-standing diplomatic relations, established in 1973. India-Qatar cooperation in diverse sectors has been steadily growing in an excellent framework provided by historically close ties and regular and substantive engagement, including at the highest levels of the two Governments. The large, diverse, accomplished and highly regarded Indian community is making an important contribution to Qatar’s progress and in nurturing the bonds of deep-rooted friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries.
History of India-Qatar Relations
• 1971 - India was one of the few countries that recognized Qatar soon after its independence.
• 1973 - In 1973, full diplomatic relations were established between Qatar and India. Both countries completed 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023.
• 2008: The visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Qatar was an important event in the history of India- Qatar relations.
• 2015: Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Bahrain, paid a visit to India.
• 2016: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to Qatar.
• 2019: On the margins of the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar convened to discuss on matters of shared concern.
• 2023: 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his first official visit to gas-rich Qatar in 2016. During the visit following seven agreements were signed.
• MoU between National Investment and Fund (NIIF) and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). The MoU aims at establishing framework for facilitating participation of Qatari institutional investors in Infrastructure projects in India under NIIF
• Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters.
• MoU between Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU- IND) and the Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU) concerning cooperation in the exchange of intelligence related to money laundering, terrorism financing and related crimes.
• MoU for Cooperation in Skill Development and
Recognition of Qualifications.
• MoU on cooperation in Tourism.
• The First Executive Programme for MoU in the field of Youth and Sports.
• MOU for Cooperation in the field of Health.
Most recently, Prime Minister met with H.H. the Emir of Qatar on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on 23 September 2019 in New York. They discussed bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Importance of Qatar
• Qatar's membership of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is politically crucial for India, particularly on matters such as Kashmir. India also requires Qatar's backing for permanent membership in the United
Nations Security Council.
• India and Qatar have signed a Defence collaboration Agreement to strengthen defence cooperation. Exercise Zair-Al-Bahr significantly strengthens marine connections.
• Qatar co-sponsored India's resolution declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day, showcasing vibrant cultural exchanges organized by community organizations affiliated with the Indian Cultural Centre.
• Qatar's influence in world politics is evident in its role as a mediator in the Doha Agreement and leading talks with Hamas and Israeli officials regarding hostage release post-Israel-Hamas conflict.
Challenges for India and Qatar Relations
Death penalty for detained Indian Navy personnel: The Indian community living abroad has been shocked by the covert trial and the severe sentence meted out to the Indian Navy officers.
Islamic conservatism: Out of all the West Asian countries, Qatar's criticism of the statements made about the Prophet by the spokesperson for the ruling party of India was the strongest.
Proximity to Pakistan: Qatar is said to have cordial relations with Pakistan (Kashmir problem), and it has historically supported the Islamic countries.
Balancing Israel and the Arab World: India maintains cordial relations with Israel and the Arab world. The recent onslaught by Israel on Palestinians and Indian personnel accused of spying for Israel would be a big source of irritation.
Fostering Terrorism: Qatar, a wealthy nation, has provided refuge to the Taliban and is a significant supporter of the Muslim brotherhood.
Soft Power Usage Against India: Al-Jazeera, which receives funding from Qatar, has a history of launching aggressive campaigns against India, such as the 2019 repeal of Article 370.
Lack of transparency: The leadership of Qatar has refrained from providing sufficient details regarding the most recent death sentence.
Isolation of Qatar: Because to tense relations with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar has been isolated in the Gulf. India would find it difficult to find a balance because it keeps friendly connections with both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
China factor: With an emphasis on the energy sector, Qatar has synchronized its National Vision 2030 with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
