India and Qatar on Tuesday signed the Agreement on Establishment of Strategic Partnership in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar. Both the countries also signed a revised agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion concerning income taxes. This agreement took place at Hyderabad House in Delhi.

The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that annual trade between the two countries is valued at approximately USD 14 billion, with both nations aiming to double this figure within the next five years.

"Both leaders decided to elevate India-Qatar relations to a Strategic Partnership with focus on trade, energy, investments, innovation, technology, food security, culture & people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs, Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said.

Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, arrived in Delhi for a two-day state visit, where he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a special gesture, PM Modi welcomed the Amir at Palam Technical Airport, referring to him as his brother and wishing him a productive stay.

The two leaders met to discuss and review bilateral relations shortly after Sheikh Tamim received a ceremonial welcome from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The two leaders agreed to elevate India-Qatar relations to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on trade, energy, investment, innovation, technology, food security, culture, and people-to-people connections.

During the visit, India and Qatar exchanged several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen ties in key areas.

Earlier, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Qatari Minister Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani participated in the India-Qatar Business Forum, hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, to strengthen trade ties between the two nations.