India and Qatar are assessing their bilateral relations while discussing the situation in Gaza.
In New Delhi, on Sunday, significant developments unfolded as India and Qatar engaged in a comprehensive review of their bilateral relations. This evaluation transpired during a pivotal meeting between India's External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, and Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
Dr Jaishankar, speaking from Doha, expressed his pleasure at meeting with Qatar's leadership, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm regards to both the Prime Minister and the Emir. The discussions encompassed a wide array of bilateral dimensions, encompassing political ties, trade and investment cooperation, energy collaboration, technological exchange, cultural engagements, and people-to-people interactions.
Notably, the dialogue extended to regional and global
issues, with a specific focus on the current situation in Gaza, underscoring
the shared concerns and perspectives of both nations on critical international
matters.
"We also look forward to further strengthening
India-Qatar relations and sustaining our ongoing dialogue on matters of mutual
interest," remarked Dr Jaishankar, emphasizing the commitment to deepen
bilateral engagement.
Simultaneously, India participated in the United Nations meeting
in Doha concerning Afghanistan, where it received appreciation from Afghan
representatives for its constructive assistance efforts. The Indian delegation,
led by Joint Secretary JP Singh, reaffirmed India's commitment to regional
stability and development.
This visit to Qatar marks Dr Jaishankar's third
international trip since assuming office for the second term. Previously, he
visited Sri Lanka and the UAE, further cementing India's diplomatic outreach in
the region. Following his engagements in Qatar, Dr Jaishankar is scheduled to
travel to Astana to represent India at the SCO Summit, reinforcing India's
active participation in multilateral fora.
India and Qatar share a longstanding and amicable
relationship, characterized by frequent high-level exchanges. Notably, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Qatar in February earlier this year bolstered
bilateral ties, underscoring mutual cooperation across various sectors.
The economic aspect of the relationship is substantial,
highlighted by India's import of natural gas from Qatar. Furthermore, India
successfully secured the release and repatriation of eight Indian naval
veterans who were imprisoned in Qatar, a diplomatic feat attributed to Prime
Minister Modi's intervention earlier this year.
Dr Jaishankar's visit provides a pivotal opportunity for
both nations to review and advance various facets of their bilateral
relationship, encompassing political, economic, energy security, cultural
exchange, and people-to-people ties. The discussions also encompass regional
and global issues of mutual interest, affirming India and Qatar's commitment to
sustained dialogue and cooperation on the international stage.
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