New Delhi/Doha – India and Qatar have elevated their bilateral ties by signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), reinforcing cooperation in trade, security, and energy sectors. The agreement was signed during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Doha, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s relations with the Gulf nation.
The pact aligns with India’s broader engagement strategy in the Gulf region, where it has already established strategic partnerships with Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The partnership with Qatar is expected to enhance economic collaboration, defense cooperation, and people-to-people ties, especially considering the large Indian diaspora in the country.
During the visit, both sides also discussed key global issues, including the Israel-Palestine conflict. India reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, while Qatar, a key mediator in regional conflicts, shared its perspectives on the ongoing crisis.
This agreement is seen as a move to deepen India’s diplomatic and economic footprint in the Gulf, a region crucial for India’s energy security and trade interests.