Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged businesses in Qatar to actively explore trade and investment partnerships with India, highlighting emerging opportunities and the potential to deepen economic ties between the two countries.Sitharaman made the remarks while addressing the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) Business Roundtable in Doha during her September 2026 visit to Qatar.Key HighlightsNirmala Sitharaman addressed the Qatari Businessmen Association in DohaShe encouraged Qatari businesses to explore trade and investment partnerships with IndiaIndia and Qatar are discussing a Bilateral Investment Treaty and Free Trade AgreementBoth sides discussed implementing Qatar’s billion investment commitment in IndiaPotential cooperation areas include infrastructure, technology, healthcare, logistics and renewable energyIndia also stressed the importance of uninterrupted maritime trade through the Strait of HormuzSitharaman Highlights India’s Investment OpportunitiesDuring the business roundtable, Sitharaman highlighted India’s economic growth and emerging investment opportunities. According to the Finance Ministry, she pointed to India’s structural growth momentum and rising investment despite global economic uncertainty.She encouraged the Qatari Businessmen Association to actively explore partnerships that can increase trade and investment between the two countries.Qatar’s business community has also identified opportunities for investment in India across sectors such as ports, airports, highways and power. At the same time, Indian companies can explore opportunities in Qatar in areas including food security, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, education, healthcare and startups.India-Qatar Investment TiesIndia and Qatar are working to expand economic cooperation through greater investment and private-sector partnerships.During Sitharaman’s meetings in Doha, both sides discussed the implementation of Qatar’s billion investment commitment in India and the establishment of a Qatar Investment Authority office in India. They also discussed accelerating engagement to complete the Bilateral Investment Treaty.The two countries are also working to accelerate negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement, with trade and investment forming important parts of their broader strategic partnership.Focus on Trade and Maritime ConnectivitySitharaman also emphasised the importance of restoring normal trade between India, Qatar and other Gulf countries, including uninterrupted maritime navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.The issue is significant for India-Qatar economic relations because the Gulf region is an important source of India's energy imports. Maintaining stable trade routes is therefore an important part of discussions on strengthening economic and commercial ties.The Qatari Businessmen Association said there is scope to move beyond traditional trade relations towards long-term investment partnerships involving joint projects, technology transfer and knowledge sharing.Potential areas of cooperation discussed include technology and AI, advanced industries, financial services, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, transportation, logistics, food security, renewable energy, infrastructure and tourism.India-Qatar Economic PartnershipIndia and Qatar elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership during the Amir of Qatar’s state visit to India in February 2025. Trade and investment have been identified as key pillars of the relationship.Sitharaman’s latest outreach to Qatari businesses comes as both countries seek to increase bilateral trade, attract investment and create more opportunities for companies from both sides.
