Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that his visit to Qatar had added “new vigour” to India-Qatar friendship and that India looks forward to scaling up cooperation in trade, investment, technology and culture.

In a post on X, the prime minister thanked the government and the people of Qatar for their hospitality during his visit. Modi met the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Amiri Palace in Doha.

He thanked the Amir for taking care of the Indian community in Qatar and expressed his deep appreciation for the release of eight Indian nationals of the Dahra Global company, who were detained in Qatar.

The eight former Indian naval veterans were arrested, sentenced to death after their conviction and later commuted to prison, were released after 18 months of detention following a pardon by the Amir of Qatar.

The prime minister invited the Amir to pay an early visit to India and conveyed India’s commitment to further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation with Qatar.

The Amir reciprocated the prime minister’s sentiments and expressed appreciation for India’s role as a valued partner in the Gulf region. He appreciated the contributions of the vibrant Indian community in Qatar’s development and their enthusiastic participation in various international events held in Qatar.

The meeting was followed by a banquet lunch hosted by the Amir at the Amiri Palace in honour of the prime minister. Mr Modi was given a ceremonial welcome at the Amiri Palace on arrival. The two sides held delegation-level and restricted talks.

The prime minister later met Father Amir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani in Doha in the afternoon. He congratulated Father Amir on his visionary leadership that paved the way for Qatar’s development over the past decades. The two leaders held discussions on India-Qatar relations.

Mr Modi conveyed his appreciation for the insightful observations of Father Amir on regional and global developments.

Father Amir affirmed that India and Qatar share an unwavering bond, epitomised by mutual trust and cooperation. He appreciated the role of Indian community in Qatar’s development and in nourishing the bilateral partnership.

In a post on his meeting with the Amir on X, the PM said, “Had a wonderful meeting with HH Sheikh @TamimBinHamad. We reviewed the full range of India-Qatar relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation across various sectors. Our nations also look forward to collaborating in futuristic sectors which will benefit our planet.”

The discussions covered economic cooperation, investments, energy partnership, space collaboration, urban infrastructure, cultural bonds and people-to-people ties. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues.

In his briefing on the conclusion of the Prime Minister’s Qatar visit, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said the Prime Minister had a successful visit.

It aimed at taking ahead understanding developed in earlier exchanges between the two countries, he said. On the release of the eight Indians, he said, “We are extremely gratified to see them back in India.”

The PM was welcomed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi on his arrival in Doha last evening. In his first engagement, Mr Modi met Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The two leaders discussed at length expanding bilateral engagement in trade, investment, energy, finance, and technology. They also discussed issues of regional importance in West Asia and emphasized the importance of upholding peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Thereafter, the prime minister attended a dinner hosted in his honour by the prime minister of Qatar. Senior ministers from both sides attended.

At his ceremonial welcome, the prime minister was received by Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. A guard of honour followed.

The two leaders discussed regional security issues and people-to-people ties. In this, they spoke of the need for strategic investment and strategic partnership in energy and technology and to proceed beyond the buyer-seller relationship.