Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal is heading to Doha on October 6–7 to co-chair the first meeting of the India–Qatar Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce with Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani. The visit is part of India’s push to deepen its presence in the Gulf and diversify economic partnerships beyond hydrocarbons.
Both sides will review trade performance, discuss investment barriers, and explore fresh opportunities in finance, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and culture. The agenda also includes talks on a proposed India–Qatar Free Trade Agreement — a move that could eventually evolve into a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). If finalised, this would be India’s second such pact in the Gulf after its agreement with the UAE.
The Doha visit follows the Amir of Qatar’s trip to India in February 2025, during which the two nations upgraded their joint working group on trade into a ministerial-level commission. That step set the stage for a more structured and high-level dialogue, with both countries signalling intent to widen the scope of cooperation.
Officials describe this week’s engagement as “critical” for sustaining the momentum of that February meeting. While official statements remain cautious, the underlying goal appears clear — to broaden India’s economic footprint in the region at a time of changing Gulf dynamics.
India–Qatar trade stood at around $14.15 billion in FY25, driven mainly by petroleum imports, which account for nearly 89% of India’s imports from Qatar. India currently runs a trade deficit of about $10.78 billion. Experts say both sides are now keen to move beyond energy dependence and expand trade in technology, services, and investment.
Qatar remains one of India’s top suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG). But the focus is now shifting towards creating a more balanced partnership that includes manufacturing, startups, and financial services. The talks are expected to set the tone for this broader cooperation.
Alongside the ministerial meetings, a high-level Indian business delegation will attend the inaugural session of the India–Qatar Joint Business Council. The aim is to spark business-to-business connections and identify new sectors for collaboration. Delegates are also expected to engage with Qatar Chamber, Qatar Financial Centre, Invest Qatar, and the Qatar Free Zones Authority.
Observers say Goyal’s first official visit to Qatar could also help open more doors for private investors. With India seeking a stronger trade foothold in the Gulf, private partnerships may prove crucial in sectors like logistics, technology, and infrastructure.
The visit comes against the backdrop of heightened uncertainty in West Asia. The Israeli airstrike on Doha in September 2025 — the first in any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country — raised concerns about the region’s security. Analysts believe that incident prompted Qatar to diversify its diplomatic and economic links, seeing India as a stable Asian partner for investment and technology cooperation.
Meanwhile, experts point out that as the US influence in the Gulf faces challenges, countries like Qatar are reassessing their alliances. India’s growing engagement is therefore being read as both an economic and strategic recalibration.
With more than 800,000 Indians living and working in Qatar, the diaspora continues to play a major role in keeping the relationship alive. During his visit, Goyal is expected to meet representatives from the Indian Business and Professionals Council and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (Doha Chapter). These groups are key to strengthening commercial and community ties between the two nations.
As India seeks to secure its supply chains and investment flows amid global instability, the Doha visit could serve as a pivotal step in shaping a more resilient trade partnership. While no major announcements are expected immediately, the meeting may quietly lay the groundwork for a new phase of India–Qatar relations — one built on diversification, trust, and long-term stability.
