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The Indian finance ministry reported that Nirmala Sitharaman met Qatar’s finance minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari and minister of state for foreign trade Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed on the sidelines of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank annual meeting in Doha. The Tuesday discussions covered stronger economic engagement, maritime commerce, tax certainty and business opportunities from both countries amid global uncertainty. Sitharaman’s office added that the meetings built directly on prior high-level commitments between the two nations.
According to a finance ministry statement, the leaders expressed keen interest in completing the bilateral investment treaty with Qatar for which they decided on accelerated engagement as well as the free trade agreement negotiations. The ministry said the talks also addressed expansion of the Indian UPI payments system across Qatar. This development follows the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in February 2025.
The ministry’s statement highlighted discussions around implementation of the 10 billion dollar Qatari investment commitment in India and establishment of a Qatar Investment Authority office there. Engagement with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund formed another element of the agenda. Both sides reviewed these points as part of efforts to translate earlier pledges into tangible outcomes.
Qatar’s officials pointed during the meeting to considerable scope for investment in India’s ports, airports, highways and power sectors. Indian companies in turn were encouraged to explore opportunities in Qatar around food security, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, education, healthcare and start-ups. The finance ministry said the two sides examined these prospects to diversify economic cooperation beyond traditional areas.
India’s Ministry of Commerce data places bilateral trade at 14.14 billion dollars in fiscal 2025 with hydrocarbons making up the bulk of the flows. Qatar serves as India’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas according to Indian embassy figures that show 10.86 million metric tonnes imported in fiscal 2026. Both countries have set a target to double trade volumes by 2030 the commerce ministry has previously stated.
The finance ministry noted that the discussions also touched on ensuring normal trade flows in the Gulf region at a time of maritime disruptions. Sitharaman emphasised the importance of uninterrupted movement of goods and energy supplies. Qatari ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the various strands of cooperation outlined in the meeting.
