India and Qatar upgraded their bilateral relations to a ‘strategic partnership’ on Tuesday, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, investments, innovation, technology, food security, culture, and people-to-people ties.

The Agreement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the two nations was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The Amir arrived in India on Monday for a two-day state visit.

A revised agreement aimed at avoiding double taxation and preventing fiscal evasion concerning income taxes was also signed, further deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, shared on X: “PM @narendramodi & HH Sheikh @TamimbinHamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, held wide-ranging talks at Hyderabad House today. 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.”

Earlier in the day, the Amir received a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, along with senior ministers. President Murmu also held discussions with the Qatari delegation accompanying the Amir.

The Amir was accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, senior officials, and business leaders, highlighting the visit’s focus on boosting economic and commercial ties. This marks his second state visit to India, the first having taken place in March 2015.