External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in Doha on July 5, 2026, as part of a multi-nation visit. The discussions focused on expanding the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership, which was elevated during the Amir of Qatar's state visit to India in February 2025.
Key Areas of Bilateral Cooperation
In a post on X, Jaishankar described the meeting as "a pleasure" and thanked the Qatari leadership for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Qatar. He reviewed various facets of bilateral cooperation, including energy, trade, investments, connectivity, security, and people-to-people ties. Both sides explored new opportunities for deepening the strategic partnership.
Jaishankar also appreciated Qatar's sharing of assessments on the ongoing West Asia conflict and its impact on the region. "Appreciate his sharing of assessments on the West Asia conflict and its impact," he added.
Qatar's Statement on the Meeting
According to a statement from Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the economic sector. They also addressed regional developments and their impact on the global economy and energy markets. Both sides emphasized the importance of resolving disputes and conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic means to enhance regional and international stability.
The statement noted: "During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them, particularly in the economic field. They also discussed regional developments and their impact on the global economy and energy markets, in addition to several other issues of common interest." It added: "Both sides emphasised the importance of resolving disputes and conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic means, which contributes to strengthening security and stability at the regional and international levels."
Continued Cooperation Through Joint Mechanisms
Jaishankar and Al-Thani agreed to continue strengthening cooperation through joint working mechanisms and bilateral committees across priority sectors for both countries. The meeting underscores the growing ties between India and Qatar, which have seen increased engagement in recent years.
Jaishankar is on a multi-nation visit covering Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United States, and Belgium from July 5 to July 10. During his Gulf leg, he will meet counterparts and leadership to enhance bilateral relations and exchange views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs.
