The gas‑rich Gulf state has reaffirmed its role as a reliable energy supplier and emphasised its intent to deepen cooperation with India.
Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to remain a reliable energy supplier while also looking forward to strengthening energy relations and cooperation with India.
This assurance was conveyed to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, during his two‑day visit to Doha that commenced on Thursday, by Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, Saad Sherida Al‑Kaabi.
Both Ministers discussed all aspects of the strategic relations between the two countries, including high‑level engagements, trade, investment, energy, culture, and people‑to‑people ties. They also expressed hope for an early return of peace and stability in the West Asia region, alongside further strengthening of bilateral relations.
Minister Al‑Kaabi reaffirmed Qatar’s role as a reliable energy supplier and emphasised the country’s intent to deepen cooperation with India.
Qatar is India’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG). In FY2024‑25, it accounted for nearly half of India’s LNG imports, supplying around 8-9 million tonnes.
Both Ministers welcomed the two‑week ceasefire agreed upon on April 8 and stressed the importance of ending disruptions in global energy supplies. They underlined the need for unimpeded freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of commerce to maintain global supply chains.
Earlier, Minister Puri conveyed greetings and a message of solidarity on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to His Highness the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as to Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
He recalled the two telephone conversations between Prime Minister Modi and the Amir in March 2026, following the start of the conflict, during which both leaders emphasised the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed gratitude to the Amir for the care and support extended to the Indian community in Qatar.