AMN / Doha
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called on Qatari businesses to deepen their engagement with India by exploring new trade and investment opportunities, underlining the country’s strong economic fundamentals and vast growth potential.
Addressing a business roundtable organized by the Qatari Businessmen Association in Doha, Sitharaman highlighted India’s robust economic performance, pointing to rising investments and a record FDI inflow of over $94.5 billion in FY 2025-26. She also referred to the recent upgrade of India’s long-term issuer rating by Japan Credit Rating Agency, describing it as a reflection of global confidence in the Indian economy.
During her visit, the Finance Minister held talks with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, focusing on expanding cooperation across key sectors including infrastructure, food security, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, education, healthcare and start-ups.
Sitharaman emphasized the need to restore and maintain normal trade flows with Qatar and other Gulf nations, stressing the importance of uninterrupted maritime navigation and commercial activity through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz.
The discussions also covered the implementation of Qatar’s $10 billion investment commitment in India, plans to establish a Qatar Investment Authority office in India, and efforts to accelerate negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The high-level engagement reflects the growing momentum in India-Qatar economic relations, with both countries seeking to enhance investment cooperation, strengthen trade ties and unlock new avenues for long-term strategic partnership.