World

PM Modi meets Indian diaspora in Qatar, says ‘grateful’ to community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian diaspora in Qatar and said that he is “grateful” to the community as he arrived in Doha after concluding a whirlwind two-day trip to the UAE.

He arrived here late on Wednesday

After June 2016, this is Modi’s second visit to the country, home to roughly 8,40,000 Indians.

“An exceptional welcome in Doha! Grateful to the Indian diaspora,” the PM posted on X along with pictures of him being greeted by Indian community members.

He said in an earlier statement that the presence of the strong Indian community in Doha is “a testament to our strong people-to-people ties”.

On his arrival, he was received by Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and proceeded to meet his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The two leaders discussed ways to boost friendship between the two countries.

“Had a wonderful meeting with PM @MBA_AlThani. Our discussions revolved around ways to boost India-Qatar friendship,” Modi wrote on X.

The External Affairs Ministry said that the PM held “a fruitful meeting” with the Qatari PM with their discussions covering expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade & investment, energy, and finance among others.

On Thursday, PM Modi is expected to meet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and hold talks on bilateral as well as regional and global issues.

Bilateral trade between India and Qatar currently stands at roughly $20 billion, and Qatar is also a significant investor in India across a whole range of economies.

The visit is timely as it comes just after the release of eight ex-Indian Navy personnel who were sentenced to death on espionage charges by Qatar last year.

They were employees of the Doha-based company Dahra Global and were taken into custody in August 2022.

They were identified as Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Rajesh.

The appellate court in Qatar in December last year commuted their death sentence to imprisonment ranging between three years and 25 years.

IANS

Recent Posts

New Zealand Foreign Minister arrives Kathmandu on two days’ visit, ahead Everest Day

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters has arrived Kathmandu on his…

6 hours ago

Indian, Mongolian armies to hold 17th ‘Nomadic Elephant 2025’ joint exercise in Ulaanbaatar

The Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces will commence the 17th edition of their…

8 hours ago

“Never thought this would happen…”: Pandi Ram Mandavi on receiving Padma Shri for wood craft

Pandi Ram Mandavi, a renowned artist from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, was conferred the Padma Shri award…

8 hours ago

Taiwan slams China’s Cross-Strait summits as ‘United Front Lectures,’ shuns events in Beijing

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) criticised China on Wednesday for organising two summits for Taiwanese…

10 hours ago

ETGE slams UNWTO official for endorsing China’s tourism drive amid ongoing Uyghur genocide

The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) vehemently denounces Mr. Francesco Frangialli, the Honorary Secretary-General…

10 hours ago

US lawmakers urge AI Safety Institute to counter China’s growing AI threat

Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the…

11 hours ago