Sitharaman invites Qatari investors to explore opportunities in India
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India and Qatar have agreed to accelerate engagement on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and continue Free Trade Agreement negotiations as the two countries work to implement Qatar’s $10 billion investment commitment.
The discussions also covered plans to establish a QIA office in India, according to an official statement.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman discussed the measures during a meeting with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, in Doha.
Dr Al-Sayed recalled his visit to India in 2025 and said there was considerable scope for Qatari investment in Indian infrastructure, including ports, airports, highways and power.
He also identified opportunities for Indian companies in Qatar across food security, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, education, health and start-ups.
Sitharaman said India attached high importance to expanding trade and investment relations with Qatar, “noting the elevation of bilateral ties to a ‘strategic partnership’ during the State Visit of Amir of Qatar in February 2025”.
She described trade and investment as important pillars that could add strategic depth to the relationship.
The Finance Minister also stressed the need to restore normal trade between India, Qatar and other Gulf countries, including unimpeded maritime navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, Sitharaman addressed a business roundtable organised by the Qatari Businessmen Association and encouraged its members to explore trade and investment partnerships with India.
She also discussed emerging economic opportunities in both countries.
At the roundtable, Sitharaman said India’s real gross domestic product grew by 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY26, while investment increased by 11.9 per cent despite global uncertainty.
The Finance Ministry also cited Japan Credit Rating’s upgrade of India’s long-term issuer rating from BBB+ to A- as a sign of confidence in the country’s continuing structural reforms.
India received a record annual gross foreign direct investment inflow of $94.53 billion in FY26. The ministry said it was the highest figure recorded in the past 15 years.