India, Qatar Step Up Talks On FTA And Bilateral Investment Treaty
India and Qatar have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and Free Trade Agreement (FTA), while advancing Qatar’s proposed USD 10 billion investment commitment and plans to establish a Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) office in India.
India and Qatar are set to intensify economic engagement, with both countries agreeing to accelerate discussions on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and Free Trade Agreement, alongside efforts to advance Qatar’s US$ 10 billion investment commitment in India.
The developments were discussed during a meeting between Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, on the sidelines of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) 2026 Annual Meeting in Doha. The Ministry of Finance shared details of the meeting through its official social media channels.
The two sides discussed the implementation of Qatar’s US$ 10 billion investment commitment and the establishment of a Qatar Investment Authority office in India. They also expressed interest in completing the Bilateral Investment Treaty and agreed to accelerate engagement on the FTA negotiations.
Focus on Trade and Investment Opportunities
During the meeting, Al-Sayed highlighted investment opportunities in India across sectors including ports, airports, highways and power. Opportunities for Indian companies in Qatar were also discussed, particularly in food security, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, education, healthcare and start-ups.
Sitharaman also emphasised the importance of restoring normal trade flows between India, Qatar and other Gulf countries. She highlighted the need for unimpeded maritime navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposed investment and trade initiatives come as India seeks to expand economic partnerships with Gulf economies and increase market access for Indian businesses.
India Highlights Investment Opportunities
Separately, Sitharaman addressed the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) Business Roundtable in Doha, where she outlined India’s economic performance and investment opportunities.
According to the Ministry of Finance, India’s real GDP growth accelerated to 7.8% in the first quarter of FY26, while investment grew by 11.9%, highlighting the resilience of the economy amid global uncertainty.
The Indian side also highlighted the recent upgrade of India’s long-term issuer rating by Japan Credit Rating (JCR) from BBB+ to A-, describing it as an indication of confidence in the country’s ongoing structural reforms.
India recorded its highest-ever annual gross foreign direct investment inflow of US$ 94.53 billion in FY26, according to the ministry, marking the highest level in the past 15 years.
Sitharaman encouraged Qatari businesses to explore investment and trade opportunities in India and strengthen partnerships between companies in the two countries.
The discussions are expected to support closer India-Qatar economic engagement through increased investment, broader market access and deeper trade cooperation.
