Sitharaman Urges Qatar Businesses to Explore Trade and Investment Opportunities in India

Addressing a QBA business roundtable in Doha, Sitharaman discussed emerging opportunities in both economies and highlighted India's continued growth momentum despite global economic uncertainty.

She pointed to India's real GDP growth of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY26, while investment grew 11.9 per cent during the period. The Finance Ministry also highlighted Japan Credit Rating's recent upgrade of India's long-term issuer rating from BBB+ to A-, describing it as a reflection of confidence in the country's structural reforms.

India also recorded its highest-ever annual gross foreign direct investment inflow of $94.53 billion in FY26, marking the strongest annual inflow in 15 years.

Earlier, Sitharaman held a meeting with Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, where both sides discussed opportunities to expand bilateral investment and trade.

Al-Sayed recalled his visit to India in 2025 and highlighted potential investment opportunities in India's infrastructure sector, including ports, airports, highways and power. He also pointed to opportunities for Indian companies in Qatar in sectors such as food security, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, education, healthcare and start-ups.

Sitharaman said India attaches significant importance to expanding trade and investment ties with Qatar. She also referred to the elevation of bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership” during the Emir of Qatar's state visit to India in February 2025.

The Finance Minister identified trade and investment as key areas for giving greater strategic depth to the relationship between the two countries.

Discussions also covered the need to restore normal trade flows between India, Qatar and other Gulf countries, including ensuring uninterrupted maritime navigation and commercial activity through the Strait of Hormuz.

The two sides reviewed progress on Qatar's proposed $10 billion investment commitment to India and the establishment of a Qatar Investment Authority office in the country.

Sitharaman and Al-Sayed also expressed interest in concluding the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty, agreeing to accelerate engagement on the matter. They also discussed progress on negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.