This would be the second visit of the Amir of Qatar to India
Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani will pay a state visit to India next week, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
Arriving in India on a two-day visit from February 17 to 18, the Qatar Amir will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, and a business delegation.
This would be the second visit of the Amir of Qatar to India. He earlier visited India on a state visit in March 2015.
During the visit, the Amir will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on February 18, 2025.
During his visit, the Amir will hold discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honour.
The Amir will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi covering various aspects of the bilateral relations.
India and Qatar have deep-rooted historical ties of friendship, trust and mutual respect.
In recent years, the ties between the two countries including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and people-to-people ties have continued to strengthen.
The Indian community residing in Qatar forms the largest expatriate community of Qatar, and is appreciated for its positive contribution in the progress and development of Qatar.
The visit of the Amir will provide further momentum to our growing multifaceted partnership.
India and Qatar share strong economic ties, especially in trade and investment. Qatar is one of India's largest trade partners in the Gulf region.
However, a significant aspect of the India-Qatar relationship is the presence of a large Indian expatriate community in Qatar. This community plays a vital role in the economic and social life of the country.
India and Qatar maintain strong cooperation in terms of labour laws, rights, and welfare for the Indian workers in Qatar.
India and Qatar have maintained close diplomatic relations, with regular visits at the leadership level, reinforcing political ties and expanding cooperation.
Qatar has often supported India in various international forums, and the two countries have shared positions on regional security matters. There is also mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and a focus on collaboration in multilateral organizations such as the United Nations.
The two countries have also enhanced their defense and security cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism efforts and maritime security. This has included joint military exercises and discussions on regional security challenges.
Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are growing, with an emphasis on education, sports, and tourism. Many Qataris travel to India for education and healthcare, while Indian institutions in Qatar foster academic and cultural links.
In recent years, both countries have worked to enhance cooperation in emerging areas such as technology.
India-Qatar relations continue to be strong and multifaceted, encompassing trade, energy, labour, cultural ties, and diplomatic cooperation. The partnership is expected to grow even further as both countries look to capitalize on emerging opportunities, including in technology and regional security.