EAM Jaishankar, Qatar's PM discuss new opportunities to deepen Strategic Partnership
Doha, July 5
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani here on Sunday to discuss various facets of bilateral cooperation and explore new opportunities to deepen the Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
"A pleasure to meet Qatar PM and FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha today. Thanked him for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community. Reviewed various facets of our bilateral cooperation especially energy, trade, investments, connectivity, security and people to people ties. Explored new opportunities for deepening our Strategic Partnership. Appreciate his sharing of assessments on the West Asia conflict and its impact," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman from July 5 to July 10, focusing on enhancing the bilateral relationship with the four countries and discussing regional developments and issues of mutual interest.
Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Qatar Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his phone call and condolences on the loss of lives of Indian nationals in the accident at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar.
"I thank His Highness the Amir of Qatar for his phone call and condolences on the loss of lives of Indian nationals in the tragic accident at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar. We both share the grief of the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," he wrote on X.
The PM added that India and Qatar remain steadfast in their commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens and stand in solidarity with each other.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 12 Indian nationals were killed in the explosion at Ras Laffan gas field.
"Very unfortunate death of 12 Indian nationals. Several others also died of other nationalities, but we lost 12 of our nationals in the tragedy in the Ras Laffan gas field, where an explosion happened. Several other people have also been injured. I am told that some 66 people are injured across nationalities. We do not know exactly how many of them are Indian nationals, but all those people who are injured are safe," he said at a media briefing.
India and Qatar share close ties anchored in historical commercial ties and people-to-people contacts. Diplomatic relations between India and Qatar were established in 1973 and the two nations marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023. The bilateral cooperation has been steadily growing in diverse sectors through regular and substantive engagements, including at the highest levels of the two governments, according to the statement released by the Indian Embassy in Qatar. The ties between the two countries were elevated to a strategic partnership during the Qatar Amir's visit to India in 2025.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Energy security is a big win here! With global volatility, having reliable partners like Qatar for oil and gas is essential for India's economy. But I hope we also push for faster visa processing and better working conditions for our 700,000+ Indian workers in Qatar. 🤔
Finally! This is the kind of proactive diplomacy we need. 🚀 The West Asia conflict directly affects us – from oil prices to remittances. Jaishankar ji's visit to 4 Gulf countries in one go is smart strategy. But I'm concerned: are we doing enough to bring back the bodies of those 12 workers? Please expedite the process.
Good to see diplomatic visits happening regularly. The 50-year diplomatic ties milestone last year was special. But honestly, Qatar's human rights record still worries me. Thousands of Indians work in harsh conditions there. Let's use this partnership to advocate for better labour laws, not just trade deals. 😔
Brilliant move by PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar! The strategic partnership elevated during Amir's 2025 visit is paying off. Energy cooperation, connectivity projects like the India-Middle East-Europe corridor – this is 21st century diplomacy. 🇮🇳💪 Also appreciate the Qatari leadership's condolences for the Ras Laffan tragedy. True friendship shows in tough times.
I'm happy about people-to-people ties being discussed. My cousin works in Doha and says the Indian community there is huge – over 700,000! But
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.