SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
During his official visit to Doha (6–7 October 2025), Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal co-chairs the India–Qatar Joint Commission on Economic and Commercial Cooperation and addresses the Joint Business Council. The discussions focus on expanding bilateral trade-currently around USD 14 billion-with a shared goal to double it by 2030. Priority sectors under review include electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, processed food, textiles, gems and jewellery, IT, and solar energy.
A key highlight of the visit is the launch of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance in Qatar, enabling Indian travellers and local consumers to make seamless digital payments through interoperable QR-based systems—an emblem of India’s expanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) dipl-macy.
The visit underscores India’s drive to integrate digital connectivity with trade diplomacy in the Gulf region. UPI’s overseas rollout signals India’s ambition to export its fintech architecture, while trade diversification aligns with the Vision 2047 export strategy and the country’s broader Act West economic engagement.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
Which sectors could anchor the next phase of India–Qatar economic cooperation under a digital-trade framework, beyond crude oil?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2175602