NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephone conversation with the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during which he expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The conversation reflected the close diplomatic relationship between India and Qatar and underscored both countries’ commitment to strengthening their long-standing partnership.
During the call, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his sympathies to the Amir, the royal family, and the people of Qatar over the loss of a leader widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar. The Indian Prime Minister praised the Father Amir’s visionary leadership, noting that his reforms transformed Qatar into one of the world’s leading economies while also helping deepen ties with India.
Prime Minister Modi also recalled Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s important role in strengthening India-Qatar relations over the years. He acknowledged the late leader’s warm regard for India and his continued support for the large Indian community living and working in Qatar.
The Amir of Qatar thanked Prime Minister Modi for personally reaching out during the difficult period and appreciated India’s message of solidarity and support.
Both leaders agreed that the Father Amir’s legacy would continue to inspire stronger cooperation between the two countries. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership, expanding people-to-people connections, and maintaining close communication on issues of mutual interest.
Father Amir’s Legacy in Modern Qatar
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is widely credited with transforming Qatar into a global economic and diplomatic power. During his tenure, the country invested heavily in infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy, and international diplomacy.
His leadership also helped position Qatar as one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), significantly enhancing its global influence. Alongside economic reforms, Qatar expanded its engagement with countries across Asia, including India, which became an increasingly important energy and economic partner.
The late Father Amir was known for encouraging international cooperation and supporting the welfare of expatriate communities, including the millions of Indians who have contributed to Qatar’s development over several decades.
India-Qatar Relations Have Grown Steadily
India and Qatar share a relationship that has steadily evolved from energy cooperation into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1973, and bilateral ties have expanded significantly over the past five decades.
Energy has remained the cornerstone of the relationship. Qatar has long been among India’s largest suppliers of liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas, playing a vital role in supporting India’s growing energy requirements. Stable energy supplies from Qatar have contributed to India’s industrial growth and energy security.
Trade between the two countries has also expanded steadily. Apart from hydrocarbons, bilateral commerce includes petrochemicals, fertilizers, food products, engineering goods, information technology services, and investments.
The Indian community in Qatar forms one of the strongest pillars of the bilateral relationship. More than 800,000 Indians live and work in Qatar, making them one of the largest expatriate communities in the Gulf nation. Indian professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, teachers, and skilled labourers have played a significant role in Qatar’s rapid development.
Over the years, both governments have focused on ensuring the welfare of Indian nationals while encouraging greater cooperation in education, healthcare, technology, culture, and business.
Strategic Partnership Reaches a New Phase
India-Qatar relations have witnessed renewed momentum in recent years through regular high-level exchanges and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have held several discussions aimed at broadening collaboration beyond traditional energy ties. Areas such as investment, digital technologies, food security, infrastructure, renewable energy, defence cooperation, fintech, and innovation have increasingly become part of the bilateral agenda.
The elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership marked an important milestone, signalling both countries’ intention to deepen cooperation on regional and global issues while encouraging greater economic engagement.
Both nations also continue to coordinate on matters concerning maritime security, regional stability, counter-terrorism, and economic resilience in the Gulf region.
A Relationship Built on Trust and Shared Interests
Prime Minister Modi’s call to the Amir of Qatar carries significance beyond a message of condolence. In diplomacy, such conversations reflect the depth of trust and mutual respect between nations, particularly during moments of national mourning.
India considers Qatar an indispensable partner in the Gulf because of its importance in energy security, trade, investment opportunities, and the welfare of the large Indian diaspora. At the same time, Qatar values India’s growing economy, skilled workforce, expanding consumer market, and increasing role in global affairs.
The tribute to the Father Amir also highlights the continuity in bilateral relations that have strengthened under successive leaderships in both countries. By reaffirming their commitment to carry forward his legacy, Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have signalled that India-Qatar ties will continue to expand despite changing global geopolitical dynamics.
As both nations seek greater cooperation in energy transition, investment, technology, and strategic affairs, the relationship is expected to become even more comprehensive. The latest conversation between the two leaders reinforces that India and Qatar remain committed to building a future-oriented partnership founded on mutual respect, shared economic interests, and strong people-to-people connections.
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