Doha, September 30 (Daily Kiran) : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged members of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) to actively seek partnerships for trade and investment opportunities in India. This appeal was made during her address at a business roundtable in Doha, as detailed in an official statement.
During the discussions, Sitharaman highlighted the emerging economic opportunities in both nations. She pointed out that India’s structural growth remains robust, with real GDP growth reaching 7.8% in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026, despite global uncertainties. Additionally, investments surged by 11.9%, underscoring the resilience of the Indian economy.
According to the Finance Ministry, Japan Credit Rating (JCR) has upgraded India’s long-term issuer rating from BBB+ to A-, reflecting confidence in ongoing structural reforms within the country.
India recorded its highest annual gross Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow of $94.53 billion in the fiscal year 2026, marking the largest amount in the last 15 years.
Prior to her address, Sitharaman met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed. Dr. Al-Sayed fondly recalled his visit to India in 2025 and emphasized the significant investment potential in infrastructure sectors such as ports, airports, highways, and electricity. He also mentioned opportunities for Indian companies in Qatar’s food security, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, education, health, and startups.
Sitharaman stressed the importance of enhancing trade and investment ties with Qatar, referring to the strategic partnership level reached during the visit of Qatar’s Amir in February 2025. She identified trade and investment as crucial foundations for strengthening bilateral relations.
The Finance Minister also underscored the significance of resuming general trade between India, Qatar, and other Gulf nations, highlighting the need for uninterrupted maritime traffic and trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
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