India and Qatar Friday discussed matters of mutual interest pertaining to bilateral, regional and international affairs today in New Delhi. The two sides reviewed progress on the follow up of key decisions taken during the high-level bilateral visits which have been contributing to building a mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.
The Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who was in New Delhi on two day visit from yesterday held delegation level talks with External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj.
He also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hand over a letter from the Emir of Qatar. He separately met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
The visiting Minister assured India of continued Qatari support in energy security through uninterrupted energy supplies. Sheikh Mohamed conveyed appreciation for the contribution of the 6.3 lakh strong Indian community which forms the largest expatriate group in Qatar.
The Minister assured India of the continued safety, welfare and well-being of the Indian community and briefed the Indian side about new labour laws in Qatar which favour expatriate workers.
During the meeting, the Qatari side welcomed participation of the Indian companies in Qatar’s infrastructure development, including for the ongoing FIFA 2022 related infrastructure. On regional issues, Sheikh Mohamed briefed his Indian interlocutors about the situation in the Gulf region.
He was briefed about India’s position that peace and security in the Gulf are of paramount importance for the continued progress and prosperity of the region.
Terrorism, violent extremism and religious intolerance pose grave threat not only to the regional stability but also to the global peace and order. India is of the view that parties should resolve their differences through a process of constructive dialogue and peaceful negotiations.