Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, co-chairs India–Qatar Joint Commission, reviews $14B trade, launches CEPA talks, boosts bilateral ties.
Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, visited to co-chair the first upgraded meeting of the India–Qatar Joint Commission on Economic and Commercial Cooperation alongside H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Qatar.
The meeting followed the elevation of the previous Trade and Commerce Working Group into a full Joint Commission after the Amir of Qatar’s visit to India in February 2025. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic engagement and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Key Highlights:
- Reviewed bilateral trade, valued at over USD 14 billion in 2024–25, and discussed ways to enhance and diversify trade in goods and services.
- Agreed on a shared goal to double trade by 2030, focusing on energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, finance, technology, and green growth.
- Formal negotiations for the India–Qatar Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will be expedited.
- Qatar’s prior announcement of USD 10 billion investment in India was reaffirmed, supporting mutually beneficial projects.
- Cooperation was also emphasised in digital economy, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, culture, and the environment.
Business & community engagement:
On the sidelines, Minister Goyal met Qatari business leaders and dignitaries to explore opportunities in food security, trade finance, project partnerships, and infrastructure investments. He also addressed the India–Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC), joined by FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, and the Qatar Chamber, and engaged with the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA).
Digital initiatives:
As a milestone in digital cooperation, Goyal launched Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Qatar, enabling seamless digital transactions for the Indian diaspora and local consumers.
Minister Goyal highlighted India’s role as one of the fastest-growing major economies and an emerging hub for innovation, manufacturing, and technology under the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of both countries’ commitment to a diversified, resilient, and forward-looking economic partnership built on trust, collaboration, and people-to-people ties.
Source: PIB
