India-Qatar Trade 

1. Overview

• Bilateral Trade Volume (2024–25): ~USD 14 billion

• Trade Partners: Qatar is a key partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and India is one of Qatar’s major trading partners.

• Trade Growth: Significant growth over the past decade due to energy, LNG imports, and diversification of sectors.

---

2. Key Sectors of Trade

Exports from India to Qatar

1. Machinery and mechanical appliances – industrial equipment and parts

2. Textiles and garments – apparel, fabrics

3. Pharmaceuticals – generic medicines and healthcare products

4. Food products and agricultural items – rice, spices, processed foods

5. Chemicals and chemicals-based products

Imports to India from Qatar

1. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – India’s energy security depends heavily on Qatari LNG

2. Crude petroleum and refined petroleum products

3. Aluminium and other metals

4. Fertilizers – ammonia, urea

---

3. Investment and Economic Cooperation

• FDI & Joint Ventures: Indian companies invest in Qatar’s energy, infrastructure, and IT sectors; Qatari firms invest in Indian real estate, energy, and finance.

• Free Zones & Business Opportunities:

  • Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA)

  • Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)

• India-Qatar CEPA/FTA: Ongoing discussions on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance trade, reduce tariffs, and expand market access.

---

4. Strategic and Regional Significance

• Energy Security: Qatar is a major supplier of LNG, crucial for India’s energy diversification.

• Diaspora Engagement: Large Indian community contributes to bilateral business, professional networks, and cultural ties.

• GCC Relations: Qatar partnership strengthens India’s Gulf diplomacy, trade connectivity, and geopolitical influence in West Asia.

---

5. Key Recent Developments

• Upgrading of Joint Working Group to Joint Commission (2025): Co-chaired by Commerce Ministers of India & Qatar to oversee trade, FDI, and sectoral cooperation.

• Business Delegation Engagement: Indian businesses actively engaging with Qatari entities to enhance public-private partnerships.

• Proposed FTA/CEPA: Expected to expand bilateral trade and economic integration.

---

6. Key Takeaways for UPSC

• India-Qatar trade is energy-centric but increasingly diversified.

• The relationship strengthens economic diplomacy, Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives, and strategic energy security.

• CEPA/FTA and business council initiatives institutionalize trade cooperation and enhance GCC partnerships.