New Delhi, February 17, 2025 – India and Qatar have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a "strategic partnership," according to an official statement from the Indian Foreign Ministry.

The development was announced during a two-day state visit by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the first such visit since 2015.

During his visit to India, Emir Al Thani held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on social media that the discussions covered a wide range of areas, including trade, energy, investments, innovation, technology, food security, culture, and people-to-people ties.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Bilateral trade between India and Qatar reached approximately $15 billion last year, a figure that underscores the economic significance of their relationship.

Earlier in the day, Indian President Droupadi Murmu welcomed Emir Al Thani with a ceremonial reception at the presidential residence in New Delhi.

The elevation of ties to a strategic partnership reflects ongoing efforts by both nations to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors and to further solidify their economic and political engagement.

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