New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday formalized an agreement aimed at advancing India-Qatar relations to a Strategic Partnership focused on trade, energy, investments, innovation, technology, food security, culture, and people-to-people interactions.

The two leaders engaged in extensive discussions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, sharing perspectives on various regional and global matters of common interest.

In addition to solidifying bilateral strategic ties, both leaders also observed the signing of an agreement aimed at preventing double taxation and mitigating fiscal evasion concerning income taxes.

Previously, the Amir, accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and business representatives, received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Later in the evening, the visiting dignitary will meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honor.

In a notable gesture, Prime Minister Modi traveled to the Air Force Station in Palam on Monday evening to personally welcome the Amir during this significant visit, marking his second trip to India since March 2015.

“I went to the airport to greet my brother, Amir of Qatar H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. I wish him a productive stay in India and look forward to our discussions tomorrow,” PM Modi shared on X after welcoming Sheikh Tamim.

The Amir expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister, the Government of India, and the friendly Indian populace for their warm reception and hospitality, emphasizing the historical depth of relations between the two nations, affirming that India is a key economic ally of Qatar.

The signing ceremony was attended by Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, and several other dignitaries.

“India and Qatar share profound historical connections built on friendship, trust, and mutual respect. Recently, our collaboration in fields such as trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges has only deepened,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) last week.

Both nations have experienced frequent high-level interactions. Following the Amir's visit to India in March 2015, PM Modi journeyed to Doha in June 2016 and again in February 2024. The leaders also convened regularly at various events, including the COP28 Summit in Dubai (December 2023) and the UN General Assembly.

After the visit from M Venkaiah Naidu (June 2022), Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar also visited Doha in November 2022 to attend the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also engaged in multiple discussions with Qatar's Prime Minister in Doha and during the India-GCC Foreign Ministers meeting in Riyadh.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Doha in October 2024 for the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit and the 2nd ACD Business Forum, while Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also traveled to Qatar to meet with various Qatari officials.

The Indian diaspora in Qatar constitutes the largest expatriate group, contributing positively to Qatar's development and progress. The Amir's visit is expected to further enhance the multifaceted partnership between the two countries, according to the MEA.

With PM Modi's commitment to nurturing longstanding ties with Gulf nations, India’s relationships with various Middle Eastern countries have significantly strengthened over the past decade.

In December, PM Modi visited Kuwait, making it the first visit by an Indian PM to the vital West Asian nation in 43 years.

Gulf nations are crucial trade and investment partners for India, with New Delhi also enjoying a robust energy partnership with these countries.

Since 2014, PM Modi has made several visits to the UAE, marking a significant transformation in India's relations with the Gulf region.

The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), initiated in May 2022, has considerably enhanced economic and trade collaboration, aligning with the developmental goals of both nations.

During his December visit to New Delhi, Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya referred to India as a “very important partner” and praised PM Modi as “one of the wisest individuals” globally.