SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Commerce & Industry | Ministry of External Affairs
During an official visit to Doha, India’s Commerce Minister co-chaired the upgraded India–Qatar Joint Commission on Economic and Commercial Cooperation, reinforced bilateral trade ambitions, and launched Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Qatar for seamless digital transactions. The meeting formalised plans to transform the earlier Joint Working Group into a full Joint Commission, set a target to double trade by 2030, and agreed to expedite negotiation of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Both sides reviewed their existing trade (USD 14 billion in 2024–25) and mapped out diversification across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, digital economy, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and green growth. The Indian side also highlighted Qatar’s USD 10 billion investment pledge made during the Amir’s earlier state visit as a signal of deeper economic alignment.
On the sidelines, industry-level dialogues with business councils and chambers facilitated cross-border collaboration and underscored the role of the Indian diaspora as economic bridges.
This development marks a transition from strategic intent to institutional execution in India–Qatar relations. The launch of UPI services in Qatar is a novel move — strengthening financial integration and diaspora commerce. If paired with CEPA and investment flows, it can accelerate connectivity, reduce transactional friction, and deepen economic resilience across this Gulf link.
What is CEPA? → A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a trade treaty that goes beyond conventional tariffs—covering regulatory cooperation, investment, services, and digital trade. Here, India–Qatar is preparing to initiate formal negotiations, with Terms of Reference (ToR) already under fast-tracking.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
In what ways can India’s large diaspora in Qatar act as catalysts for two-way investment, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer?
Follow the full release here: India–Qatar Joint Commission Meeting & UPI Launch