NEW DELHI: Qatar and India exchanged a deal on setting up of strategic partnership between the two nations. The papers were exchanged in the presence of  Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Amir of Qatar, Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The two leaders greeted each other warmly with handshakes before starting their talks.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi led the Indian delegation, which included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and other senior officials. The Qatari side was led by the Amir himself.

Earlier in the day, the Amir of Qatar was given a Guard of Honour and a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was received by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and other senior ministers. The Amir also had a chance to meet and talk with the ministers.

The Amir arrived in Delhi on Monday for a two-day State visit. During his visit, he will hold more talks with Prime Minister Modi. In a special gesture, PM Modi personally welcomed the Amir at Palam Technical Airport and called him his "brother," wishing him a productive stay in India.

The Amir’s visit is important as Qatar is home to the largest group of Indian expatriates, who have been instrumental in the country’s growth. This visit is expected to strengthen the relationship between India and Qatar, which continues to grow in several sectors, including business and politics.

The Ministry of External Affairs  shared on social media: “A special gesture for a special friend! PM Modi welcomed HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, at the airport as he arrived in New Delhi for his second state visit to India. The visit will further strengthen the bonds of the India-Qatar partnership.”

The MEA also stated that this visit will give "more momentum" to the growing partnership between the two nations. During his stay, the Emir will also meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior officials. 

His visit opend new doors for collaboration in business, diplomacy, and other key sectors, further strengthening India-Qatar ties.