Indian Ambassador to Qatar, HE Dr. Deepak Mittal
Doha: Indian Vice President HE Venkaiah Naidu accompanied by a high-level delegation including a minister, parliamentarians and businessmen arrived in Qatar yesterday for an official visit which will last until June 7, 2022.
He will discuss ways to improve relations between the two countries in several sectors. “Today (Sunday), the Vice President will meet HH Vice Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani at the Amiri Diwan and review bilateral cooperation,” the Indian Ambassador to Qatar said. HE Dr. Deepak Mittal.
Addressing a press conference yesterday, the ambassador said the vice president will meet with the chairman of the Shura Council and several other dignitaries.
“The delegation accompanying the Vice President includes Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare HE Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar and three Members of Parliament, Sushil Kumar Modi, Vijay Pal Singh Tomar and P Ravindhranath and others senior officials,” the ambassador said.
“A delegation of approximately 35 member companies is also part of the Vice President’s visit. Members represent Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and others.
The Ambassador said the Vice President will also participate in a business forum which will be attended by business delegations from India and Qatar. “Qatar’s Minister of Trade and Industry and representatives from the Qatar Chamber and the Qatar Businessmen’s Association are expected to join the forum.”
He said the Vice President will visit the National Museum of Qatar and the Qatar Foundation. “A community reception will be held where the Vice President will address members of the diverse Indian expatriate community in Qatar, including prominent members, community leaders, business people, students, teachers , fishermen and blue-collar workers.”
The Ambassador said that Qatar and India have a very strong friendly relationship with a deep historical bond dating back to the days of the pearl trade.
“There are human contacts. Today nearly 750,000 Indians have made Qatar their second home, actively contributing to the development of Qatar.
The ambassador said the multifaceted cooperation between the two sides has witnessed significant growth in economic, energy, investment, education, defense and cultural ties. “Bilateral trade exceeded $15 billion in FY 2021-22, showing very strong movement. The Qatari is also looking for bigger investment opportunities in India.
“The Ambassador said the visit will provide a platform to discuss how to take further steps to further deepen the partnership in different fields. Qatar and India have a very strong partnership in various fields such as l ‘education.
“A number of Indian schools are operating in Qatar. India’s first university had opened in Qatar. There are discussions to open more higher education institutions in the country,” the ambassador said.