Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has embarked on a two-day official visit to Doha, Qatar, to lead discussions aimed at deepening bilateral trade, investment, and economic collaboration. The visit coincides with the Qatar–India Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce, co-chaired by Qatar’s Commerce and Industry Minister, H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, reflecting both nations’ commitment to advancing their strategic partnership.

Bilateral trade between India and Qatar surpassed $ 14 billion in 2024–25, and this visit marks Minister Goyal’s first official trip to Qatar. Accompanied by senior officials from multiple ministries, the discussions are expected to review current trade performance, address tariff and non-tariff barriers, and explore avenues to enhance investment and business cooperation across key sectors.

A major focus of the talks will be the proposed India–Qatar Free Trade Agreement (FTA), alongside the finalization of the Terms of Reference for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), designed to expand economic engagement and facilitate smoother trade flows. The agenda will also include collaboration across agriculture, finance, healthcare, tourism, and cultural initiatives, highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of India–Qatar relations.

A high-level business delegation will accompany Minister Goyal, engaging with premier Qatari institutions including Qatar Chamber, Qatar Financial Centre, Invest Qatar, and the Qatar Free Zones Authority. These engagements aim to strengthen trade linkages, promote investment opportunities, and foster partnerships between Indian and Qatari enterprises.

During the visit, Minister Goyal will meet prominent Qatari dignitaries, leading business figures, and representatives of Indian organizations in Qatar, including the Doha Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC).

This visit builds on the outcomes of previous high-level engagements, including the first India–Qatar Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce in July 2024 and the Amir of Qatar’s visit to India in February 2025. The elevation of the Joint Working Group to a Joint Commission, led by the respective Commerce Ministers, underscores trade as a cornerstone of the Indo-Qatari strategic partnership.

By focusing on agriculture, trade liberalization, and investment facilitation, the visit sets the stage for deeper economic integration, positioning India and Qatar to unlock new growth opportunities and foster mutual prosperity in the years ahead.