India and Qatar have strengthened their relationship despite differences.

• Qatari Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s visit to India has reaffirmed deep ties between the two countries.

• Qatar sees India as a globally connected power, maintaining a balance with West Asian players like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, and Israel.

• India sees Qatar as a Gulf power, a significant source of remittances, and a major geo-strategic partner.

• Qatar provides 45% of India’s LNG needs, making up about half of the bilateral trade of $15 billion.

• Qatar hosts groups like the Hamas and the Taliban, and maintains ties with regional militia groups.

• The Narendra Modi government has leaned on Qatari leadership in its engagement with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

• The Qatari Amir’s decision to pardon eight former Indian naval personnel has helped forge a closer understanding.

• After the talks, India and Qatar decided to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership.

• They signed a double taxation avoidance agreement and MoUs in areas including sports and youth affairs.

• They agreed to double bilateral trade by 2030 and Qatar is to invest $10 billion in India in infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

• The geopolitical undertones of the summit are significant, especially amidst the turmoil in the Gulf region over the Israel-Gaza conflict and U.S. President Trump’s plan to clear two million Palestinians for regional peace.