The envoy said Qatar’s quest for self-sustenance after the 2017 embargo and Modi-government’s call for Atmanirbhar is complementary to each other

India’s new envoy to Qatar Deepak Mittal believes Doha’s efforts to self-sustain and New Delhi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan can work hand-in-hand.

After meeting Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamid al-Thani to present his credentials on Wednesday, Mittal was quoted by Gulf Times saying that the Amir had his focus on trade and investment opportunities and the need to work together.

Attending a webinar, the envoy said Qatar’s quest for self-sustenance after the 2017 embargo and the Modi-government’s call for Atmanirbhar is complementary to each other. Mittal pointed out that India’s new initiative was about working together with global partners and there India desires to be a partner in the global supply chain.

Former Indian Foreign Secretary High Commissioner to the UK Ranjan Mathai said Qatar can invest in India, in the areas of education, digital technology and pharmaceuticals, said the report. He highlighted the investment of Qatar Investment Authority in BYJU’s learning app as an example. “Our trade will be maritime led and it is where India and Qatar will have opportunities,” he said.

The Gulf Times report said Qatar has already launched a direct maritime line with India, linking Hamad Port and Mundra and Nhava Sheva ports in India.