New Delhi

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is scheduled to make an official visit to Qatar on Sunday, June 30, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday.

During this one-day visit, EAM Jaishankar will hold meetings with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. India and Qatar maintain longstanding and friendly relations characterized by frequent high-level exchanges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Qatar on February 14-15, 2024, included discussions with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The visit by EAM Jaishankar will provide an opportunity for both countries to assess various aspects of bilateral relations, encompassing political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural, and people-to-people ties, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Emir reciprocated Prime Minister Modi’s sentiments and expressed appreciation for India’s significant role as a trusted partner in the Gulf region. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the vibrant Indian community to Qatar’s development and their enthusiastic participation in various international events hosted in Qatar.

According to Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra’s remarks following the Prime Minister’s visit, bilateral trade between India and Qatar amounts to nearly $20 billion. The two nations also maintain a comprehensive partnership in the energy sector, encompassing energy trade and other segments of the energy-supply chain, thereby enhancing cooperation in energy security.

In February, during the India Energy Week in Goa, the countries inked an agreement for Qatar to supply 7.5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMtpa) of LNG to India for 20 years, starting from 2028.