Agenda and Objectives of the Visit
During his visit, Shri Goyal will lead extensive discussions aimed at reviewing bilateral trade performance, addressing existing trade barriers, and exploring new avenues for investment and economic collaboration. The talks are expected to include progress on the proposed India-Qatar Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is poised to further strengthen trade relations between the two countries.
Cooperation across key sectors including finance, agriculture, environment, tourism, culture, and healthcare will also be highlighted to deepen the multifaceted partnership between India and Qatar.
Business Engagement and Industry Participation
A delegation of senior Indian industry representatives will accompany Shri Goyal, engaging actively with Qatari business leaders, including those from Qatar Chamber, Qatar Financial Centre, Invest Qatar, and the Qatar Free Zones Authority. The delegation will mark the first meeting of the India-Qatar Joint Business Council, facilitating stronger private sector collaboration and commercial opportunities in both nations.
Shri Goyal is also scheduled to meet key Qatari dignitaries and leading business figures, along with members of the Indian community in Qatar, including representatives from the Doha Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC).
Historical Context and Strategic Importance
The India-Qatar Joint Working Group (JWG) at the Joint Secretary level first convened in July 2024. During the Amir of Qatar’s visit to India in February 2025, both sides recognized trade as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation and agreed to upgrade the JWG to a full-fledged Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce, co-led by the Commerce Ministers. Shri Goyal’s visit marks the inaugural high-level ministerial engagement under this framework.
The visit reflects India’s strategic intent to deepen ties with Qatar, one of its most significant trading partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and to expand economic engagement, investment flows, and sectoral collaboration in a wide range of industries.
Expected Outcomes and Future Prospects
Officials anticipate the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) that will streamline trade processes, promote investment, and support collaborative projects across finance, energy, and technology sectors. The visit is expected to set the stage for sustained engagement under CEPA and advance India’s economic diplomacy in the Gulf region.
This engagement also reinforces India’s commitment to boosting bilateral trade, fostering a robust business ecosystem abroad, and enhancing people-to-people and business-to-business ties with Qatar.
