Doubling India-Qatar Bilateral Trade by 2030: A Visionary Leap

In a landmark visit to Doha, Qatar, on October 7, 2025, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal emphasized the potential for India-Qatar bilateral trade to double by 2030. This ambitious goal stems from a collaborative spirit showcased during his co-chairing of the India-Qatar Joint Commission on Economic and Commercial Cooperation with Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani.

The visit marked an era of enhanced cooperation, beginning symbolically with the planting of a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative at the Indian Embassy. This act reflected India’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, setting a tone for future discussions aimed at nurturing economic growth alongside ecological responsibility.

During their joint commission meeting, both ministers reviewed existing trade dynamics while addressing barriers and exploring untapped sectors like finance, agriculture, and healthcare. The ministers underscored mutual efforts to navigate global economic challenges, emphasizing India’s robust macroeconomic stability that fosters a thriving start-up ecosystem—a fertile ground for global businesses.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Goyal urged Indian and Qatari enterprises to explore greater opportunities in promising sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, IT, and solar energy. Despite the existing bilateral trade standing at approximately USD 14 billion, both nations recognized the potential for substantial growth by leveraging their complementary strengths.

The meeting also reaffirmed a shared commitment to negotiating an India-Qatar Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to bolster economic ties significantly. Goyal praised Qatar’s vital role in India’s energy supply and emphasized enhancing Indian exports to further solidify this partnership.

High-level business meetings with Qatari dignitaries and corporate leaders provided platforms for discussing increased investment flows, technology partnerships, and joint ventures. A notable highlight was the launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at Lulu Mall in Qatar, marking a significant milestone in digital cooperation that facilitates seamless transactions for both Indian expatriates and local consumers.

Addressing the vibrant Indian community in Qatar, Goyal highlighted their integral role as ambassadors fostering India-Qatar relations. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and His Highness the Amir of Qatar, bilateral ties have deepened, transitioning to a strategic partnership with ambitious goals like doubling trade by 2030.

Goyal recognized the contributions of the Indian diaspora in Qatar’s development and echoed India’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and global cooperation. He encouraged the Indian community to act as vital bridges between the two nations, contributing significantly to realizing India’s vision for a developed nation by 2047.

This visit encapsulates a shared vision for an interconnected future where economic collaboration flourishes alongside cultural exchange, paving the way for robust bilateral relations that could reshape regional and global trade landscapes.

Original Article Source: India Gazette