New Delhi
Joint ventures in energy infrastructure, technology partnerships, and cross-border investments can help reduce India’s large trade deficit with Qatar, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said on Sunday.
India’s trade deficit with Qatar reached USD 10.78 billion in 2024–25, with total imports of USD 12.46 billion and exports of USD 1.68 billion. The think tank noted that nearly 90% of India’s imports from Qatar were petroleum crude and gas products, highlighting the energy-heavy nature of the bilateral trade relationship.
“Energy products remain the backbone of India-Qatar trade, reflecting India’s heavy dependence on hydrocarbon supplies,” said GTRI co-founder Ajay Srivastava. He added that promoting joint ventures in energy infrastructure and technology could help balance the trade and deepen strategic ties.
Qatar’s main exports to India include liquefied natural gas worth USD 6.39 billion, liquefied butanes (USD 1.62 billion), propane (USD 1.54 billion), petroleum crude (USD 1.06 billion), and other petroleum goods. Non-energy imports include fertilisers, organic chemicals, aluminium, and plastics.
India’s key exports to Qatar were iron and steel (USD 154 million), Basmati rice (USD 123 million), jewellery (USD 110 million), processed minerals, motor vehicles, and machinery. GTRI recommended India expand exports in engineering goods, value-added foods, and chemicals while encouraging Qatari investment in manufacturing and infrastructure.
Qatar remains one of India’s top suppliers of LNG and LPG and hosts over 800,000 Indian workers, strengthening both economic and cultural ties.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is leading a business delegation to Doha this week to boost trade and investment. The two countries are expected to finalise terms for a bilateral trade agreement soon.