India and Qatar have agreed to accelerate discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) while advancing Qatar’s proposed USD 10 billion investment commitment and plans to establish a Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) office in India.
The discussions took place during Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s meeting with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, on the sidelines of the AIIB 2026 Annual Meeting in Doha.
The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. Qatar highlighted opportunities in India’s ports, airports, highways and power sectors.
Indian companies can also explore opportunities in Qatar in areas including food security, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, education, healthcare and start-ups.
The discussions also focused on implementing Qatar’s USD 10 billion investment commitment and establishing a QIA office in India.
Both sides expressed interest in completing the Bilateral Investment Treaty and agreed to accelerate engagement on the agreement alongside FTA negotiations.
Sitharaman also emphasised the importance of restoring normal trade between India, Qatar and other Gulf countries.
She highlighted the need for unimpeded maritime navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz to support regional trade flows.
At a separate Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) Business Roundtable in Doha, the Indian side highlighted the country’s economic growth and investment opportunities.
According to the Ministry of Finance, India’s real GDP growth reached 7.8% in the first quarter of FY26, while investment grew by 11.9%.
The Ministry also cited Japan Credit Rating’s upgrade of India’s long-term issuer rating from BBB+ to A- as reflecting confidence in ongoing structural reforms.
India recorded its highest-ever annual gross Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow of USD 94.53 billion in FY26, which the Ministry described as the highest level in 15 years.
Sitharaman encouraged Qatari businesses to explore trade and investment partnerships with India as both countries look to expand economic cooperation.
