Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, on an official visit to Qatar, highlighted the immense potential to double India-Qatar bilateral trade by 2030. The two-day visit, held on October 6–7, included high-level meetings with Qatari officials and business leaders, aimed at strengthening economic and commercial cooperation.
On the first day, Goyal paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Embassy of India in Doha and participated in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative by planting a sapling, symbolizing India’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Commerce and Industry Minister co-chaired the India–Qatar Joint Commission on Economic and Commercial Cooperation with Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Qatar. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the overall trade relationship, addressed existing barriers, and explored new avenues for collaboration in sectors including finance, agriculture, healthcare, electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, processed food, textiles, gems and jewellery, IT, solar energy, and emerging high-tech industries.
Goyal emphasized that despite global economic headwinds and supply chain disruptions, India’s strong macroeconomic stability and thriving start-up ecosystem create a highly enabling environment for global businesses. He called on Indian and Qatari companies to explore greater trade and investment opportunities.
While bilateral trade currently stands at around USD 14 billion, both leaders recognized the untapped potential to double trade by 2030. They reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing an ambitious India–Qatar Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The meeting also celebrated Qatar’s long-term LNG supply agreement of 7.5 million tonnes per year from 2028, while stressing the need to boost India’s exports to Qatar.
Goyal addressed the India–Qatar Joint Business Council, attended by senior representatives from FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, and the Qatar Chamber, highlighting the importance of business interactions and the success of the first face-to-face Joint Business Council meeting in fostering deeper economic ties.
On the sidelines, the Minister held high-level discussions with Qatari corporate leaders, exploring investment flows, technology partnerships, and joint ventures. He also participated in the launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at Lulu Mall, The Pearl Island, marking a key milestone in India-Qatar digital cooperation and enabling seamless digital transactions for the Indian diaspora and local consumers.
Addressing the Indian community in Qatar, Shri Goyal appreciated their role as a strong pillar of bilateral relations. He underscored India’s growing economic strength, its emergence as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, and its vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Reaffirming India’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and global cooperation, he urged the diaspora to continue serving as a bridge between the two nations and as partners in realizing India’s growth vision.