Pic Credit: https://x.com/FinMinIndia
Doha, Sep 30: India and Qatar are looking to give a fresh push to trade and investment ties, with both sides exploring new opportunities for businesses across infrastructure, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, education and start-ups.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called on members of the Qatari Business Association (QBA) to explore stronger partnerships with Indian companies during a business roundtable in Doha. She highlighted India’s economic resilience and the opportunities emerging from its continued growth and investment activity.
Sitharaman said India’s real GDP growth reached 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY26, while investment increased by 11.9 per cent, despite an uncertain global economic environment.
She also highlighted India’s record gross FDI inflow of $94.53 billion in FY26, the highest annual inflow recorded in the country in the past 15 years. The recent upgrade of India’s long-term issuer rating by Japan Credit Rating from BBB+ to A- was also cited as a reflection of confidence in the country’s structural reforms.
Infrastructure and new-age sectors offer scope
Earlier, Sitharaman met Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, to discuss ways to expand economic cooperation.
During the meeting, Al-Sayed pointed to opportunities for Qatari investors in India, particularly in ports, airports, highways and power projects. He also highlighted areas where Indian businesses could explore opportunities in Qatar, including food security, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, education, healthcare and start-ups.
Sitharaman reiterated India’s focus on strengthening trade and investment relations with Qatar. The relationship gained further momentum after India and Qatar elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during the Amir of Qatar’s visit to India in February 2025.
Focus on investment and trade agreements
The two sides also discussed the proposed $10 billion Qatari investment commitment in India and plans for establishing a Qatar Investment Authority office in India.
Both countries expressed interest in moving ahead with the Bilateral Investment Treaty, with discussions expected to be accelerated. The two sides also reviewed progress towards Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
The talks further underlined the importance of keeping trade routes open and ensuring smooth maritime commerce, including navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a major route for global energy and trade.
With growing investment interest on both sides, India and Qatar are seeking to turn their strategic partnership into broader commercial opportunities for companies and investors, strengthening economic cooperation across traditional industries as well as emerging sectors.