India Keen on Joint Development of Oil, Gas Blocks in Qatar
June, 2016: The two sides also agreed to focus on enhancing cooperation in
energy, covering the areas of training and human resources development and
cooperation in research and development and through promotion of joint ventures
in petrochemical complexes and cooperation in joint exploration in India and
other countries, the statement said.
To promote business-to-business and tourism linkages, they also agreed to put
in place appropriate mechanism for expeditious grant of visas to businessmen
and tourists of the two countries, it said.
With the two countries being among the top trading partners for each other,
both sides agreed upon the need to further strengthen trade ties, particularly through
diversifying the trade basket.
"The Qatari side welcomed the participation of Indian companies in the
infrastructure development projects in Qatar in preparation for the FIFA 2022
World Cup and the development plans under "Vision 2030 for Qatar," it
said.
The two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation to strengthen maritime security
in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean regions, vital for the security and prosperity
of both countries.
During the meeting, Modi highlighted the major initiatives taken by the
government for 'Ease of Doing Business' through simplification and
rationalisation of existing rules and relaxing of foreign direct investment
caps in key areas, including railways, defence and insurance.
Informing about the plans to create world class infrastructure in India through
100 smart cities; metro projects for 50 cities; modern waste management system
for 500 cities; and a roof over every head by 2022, Modi invited Qatar to be a
partner in India's growth story.
Modi and Sheikh Tamim held detailed talks here on a wide range of issues with
an intent to give a push to India-Qatar ties.
Qatar is an important trading partner for India in the Gulf region with
bilateral trade in 2014-15 standing at USD 15.67 billion. It is also one of
India's key sources of crude oil.
-PTI
