India-Qatar Relations | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

International diplomacy is often considered complex and distant, but India has challenged these perceptions by embracing the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' which translates to 'the world is one family.' This approach has not only been beneficial for India but has also set an example for others. A recent example of this inclusive approach can be seen in the resolution of a conflict involving former Indian marines, where India and Qatar demonstrated cooperation instead of confrontation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second visit to Qatar further underscores the strength of the relationship between the two countries.

India-Qatar Friendly Ties

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1973, India and Qatar have maintained cordial relations. These ties have strengthened significantly since the historic visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2008, the first by an Indian PM. The visit of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani in 2015 resulted in the signing of five MoUs, covering various areas of cooperation. An agreement on prisoner repatriation was also reached, allowing citizens convicted of crimes to serve their sentences in their home country.

Defence Relations

• Defence cooperation is a crucial aspect of the bilateral agenda, with India offering training opportunities to Qatar in its defence institutions.
• Participation in events like the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) further strengthens these ties.
• The India-Qatar Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed in 2008 and extended in 2018, is implemented through the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC).

Commercial & Investment Relations

• Bilateral trade between India and Qatar stood at US$18.77 billion in 2022-23, with India exporting US$1.96 billion worth of goods and importing US$16.8 billion. 
• Qatar's exports to India include LNG, LPG, chemicals, petrochemicals, plastics, and aluminium articles. 
• In contrast, India exports cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, fruits, spices, processed food products, machinery, plastic products, construction material, textiles & garments, chemicals, precious stones, and rubber to Qatar. 
• India is among the top three export destinations for Qatar and is also among the top three sources of Qatar's imports.

Cultural Relations

• India and Qatar share deep-rooted cultural ties that are actively nurtured through regular cultural exchanges. An Agreement on Cultural Cooperation, signed in 2012, facilitates these exchanges. 
• Qataris appreciate India's cultural diversity, and in 2019, the two countries celebrated the India-Qatar Year of Culture, as announced during PM Modi's visit to Qatar.

Indian Community

• As of December 2023, the Indian community in Qatar stands at over 835,000, making it the largest expatriate community in the country.
• This community is involved in a broad range of professions, including medicine, engineering, education, finance, banking, business, and media, in addition to a significant number of blue-collar workers. 
• They are highly respected for their integrity, hard work, qualifications, and contributions to Qatar's development and progress. 
• The Indian community constitutes approximately 27% of Qatar's total population, with around 45,000 Indian students attending 19 Indian schools, including 27 branches, nine of which offer senior secondary education and 12 up to secondary education, as well as several hundred enrolled in international schools.

Way Forward

• Qatar and the Republic of India have a strong and substantial relationship that has grown and evolved over time, marked by high-level exchanges between the two countries. 
• These visits have played a crucial role in enhancing and strengthening bilateral relations, which are evident in their trade and economic ties.
• Qatar is interested in investing in India's infrastructure, including roads, highways, economic corridors, airports, ports, tourism, hotels, as well as gas and fertilizer projects. 
• India-Qatar cooperation across various sectors has been steadily expanding within a framework of historically close ties and regular, substantive engagement, including at the highest levels of both governments.