The India-Qatar Joint Business Forum was held in New Delhi on February 18, 2025, alongside the visit of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, to India. Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the event focused on enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. The forum was graced by India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, both of whom delivered keynote addresses. 

In his inaugural speech, Shri Piyush Goyal reaffirmed India’s vision of becoming a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047, aligning with the Viksit Bharat mission. While India and Qatar have a long-standing energy trade relationship, he emphasised expanding the partnership into emerging sectors such as AI, quantum computing, IoT, and semiconductors. He also highlighted India’s efforts in reducing the cost of doing business and improving the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) to attract global investors, inviting Qatari businesses to explore investment opportunities in India, particularly in Gujarat’s GIFT City. 

H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani underscored that India-Qatar relations are built on mutual respect and shared economic interests. India has emerged as Qatar’s third-largest trading partner, and he invited Indian investors to explore Qatar’s diverse investment opportunities. 

Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, highlighted India’s strong economic growth, its innovation-driven ecosystem, and the significant $709 billion FDI inflows over the past decade. He noted India’s leadership in technology-driven sectors, with over 1,55,000 startups, and praised the India Stack initiative for revolutionising digital access and financial inclusion. He also welcomed the Qatar National Bank (QNB) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) partnership, which will enable QR Code-based UPI transactions in Qatar. 

H.E. Dr. Ahmad Al-Sayed, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, emphasised the need to expand economic ties beyond energy into emerging industries such as electric vehicles, manufacturing, and non-oil sectors. He highlighted Qatar’s initiatives like the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) for attracting investments, the Qatar Science & Technology Park for R&D, and the Qatar Free Zone for fostering key sector growth. 

Panel discussions at the forum explored opportunities in areas such as high-quality solar grid polysilicon manufacturing, AI, sustainability, and logistics. Business leaders and policymakers acknowledged India’s position as a gateway to South Asia and Qatar’s role as a strategic hub for the Middle East. 

Bilateral trade between India and Qatar surpassed $15 billion in FY 2023-24, with Qatar ranking among the top three GCC investors in India. However, both sides see further untapped potential. To strengthen economic cooperation, two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed: 

• CII and Qatar Business Association to enhance business collaboration. 
• Invest India and Invest Qatar to facilitate investment partnerships. 

DPIIT Joint Secretary, Shri Sanjiv, emphasised that the India-Qatar business delegation would catalyse stronger trade relations. He welcomed Qatar’s participation in Startup India Mahakumbh 2025 (April 3-5, 2025), aimed at deepening startup collaborations and attracting Qatari investments into India’s technology and innovation sectors. 

CII President, Mr. Sanjiv Puri, highlighted key areas for economic cooperation, including energy security, agriculture, the startup ecosystem, and skill development. He reaffirmed CII’s commitment to fostering partnerships between Indian and Qatari businesses as both nations pursue their renewable energy goals. 

The event also featured addresses by prominent Qatari business leaders, including H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Al Thani, Board Member of the Qatari Businessmen Association. 

The India-Qatar Joint Business Forum reinforced the commitment of both nations to advancing trade, investment, and technological collaboration. As India and Qatar deepen their economic ties, they are poised to drive innovation, prosperity, and sustainable growth, ushering in a new phase of their strategic partnership.  

(PIB)