Through new partnerships and reforms, India and Qatar are joining forces in cutting-edge tech like AI, IoT, and semiconductors to drive innovation, sustainability, and investments.
India and Qatar are poised to deepen their collaboration in technology, focusing on sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and semiconductors.
At the India-Qatar Business Forum in New Delhi last week, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal emphasised that the two nations are transitioning from traditional energy trade to pioneering technologies that will shape future industries. This shift aligns with the global demand for innovation amidst increasing geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity threats, and climate change concerns, he noted.
According to a recent press release by the Commerce Ministry, the partnership between the two countries is built on the shared goal of fostering technological advancement and self-reliance.
Furthermore, India and Qatar recognise the value of utilising their respective strengths, with India’s rapidly growing technology sector and Qatar’s focus on digital transformation providing a strong basis for shared growth.
In addition to fostering technological innovation, India and Qatar are committed to advancing sustainability goals. As part of this partnership, India’s recent reforms to improve the ease of doing business are anticipated to encourage greater investment from Qatar in these developing sectors, particularly in solar grid polysilicon manufacturing.
Qatar has launched the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) to attract global investors and private equity, alongside initiatives like the Qatar Science and Technology Park and Media City to foster research, development, and media industry growth. Furthermore, it has a Qatar Free Zone, designed to boost investment across key sectors.
The India-Qatar Joint Business Forum also brought together industry leaders to explore new opportunities. Bilateral trade exceeded US$15 billion in FY 2023-24, with Qatar ranking among India’s top three GCC investors.
Two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed to strengthen business cooperation: one between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Qatar Business Association, and another between Invest India and Invest Qatar.
During the visit of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, to India from 17-18 February, the Confederation of Indian Industry, in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), hosted the India-Qatar Joint Business Forum on 18th February 2025.
The event was attended by Shri Piyush Goyal, the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry, State of Qatar, both of whom delivered keynote addresses at the forum.
