Insider Brief:

• India and Qatar discussed quantum computing as part of broader cooperation in emerging technologies, with India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighting its role alongside AI, IoT, and semiconductors in shaping future trade relations.

• Goyal emphasized India’s shift beyond energy trade toward advanced technology collaboration, citing quantum computing as a key area of focus for economic self-reliance and innovation, according to The Hindu.

• While no specific quantum initiatives were announced, the forum reinforced India’s commitment to quantum research, particularly through initiatives like the National Quantum Mission, positioning India as a strategic partner for Qatar’s technological advancement.

• Image Credit: The Hindu/Shiv Kumar Pushpakar, Qatar’s Ministry is in India with a business delegation, accompanying the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani

PRESS RELEASE — A recent release from the Indian Ministry of Commerce & Industry documented key outcomes from the India-Qatar Joint Business Forum, held on February 18, 2025, in New Delhi, which reinforced the deepening economic ties between the two nations, emphasizing trade, technology, and sustainability. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry in partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the event took place alongside the visit of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, to India.

The forum featured keynote addresses by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal, and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani. Discussions centered on strengthening trade relations, investment opportunities, and emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, and quantum computing.

In his address, Shri Piyush Goyal reaffirmed India’s goal of becoming a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047 and highlighted the transition of the India-Qatar relationship beyond energy trade. He noted that as geopolitical and cybersecurity challenges grow, India’s focus on self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) makes strategic collaborations in advanced technologies essential. Quantum computing was mentioned alongside other relevant emerging fields.

At the event, Goyal remarked on the new areas of focus, according to a recent review from The Hindu: “Now we are looking at a new future where we will transition from energy being a bulwark of our trade to new age technologies whether it is artificial intelligence, internet of things, quantum computing, and semiconductors.”

Quantum computing has direct implications for fields such as cryptography, material science, and optimization—areas relevant to both India’s digital transformation initiatives and Qatar’s push for technological advancement. While no specific quantum initiatives were announced at the forum, its inclusion in discussions reflects India’s increasing investment in the field, particularly through initiatives like the National Quantum Mission.

H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani acknowledged the longstanding trade relationship between India and Qatar and emphasized that the partnership is built on shared interests and mutual respect. With India as Qatar’s third-largest trading partner, the forum highlighted Qatar’s position as a destination for investment in sectors beyond oil and gas, including digital transformation and high-tech industries.

The event also saw discussions on India’s digital economy, financial inclusion through UPI transactions, and investment opportunities in GIFT City, a financial hub in Gujarat. Additionally, the forum emphasized potential collaboration in areas such as electric vehicles, manufacturing, and sustainability.

To strengthen economic cooperation, two Memorandums of Understanding were signed between:

• Confederation of Indian Industry and Qatar Business Association

• Invest India and Invest Qatar

These agreements are intended to support business cooperation, investment flows, and long-term collaboration in strategic sectors.

As India and Qatar continue to expand their partnership, technology remains a key area of focus. While quantum computing was mentioned as part of broader discussions on emerging technologies, the forum primarily reinforced the economic collaboration between the two nations and set the stage for future joint initiatives in trade, innovation, and investment.