(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Sanaullah Ataullah |
The Peninsula
Doha: Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs of India H E V Muraleedharan said Qatar's investments in India have increased fivefold over the past two years.
He said trade between Qatar and India surpassed $15bn in fiscal year 2021-22.
The Minister was speaking at a community reception organised by Indian Cultural Center (ICC) in association with Indian expatriate community organisations at ICC premises yesterday.
The event was attended by Ambassador of India to Qatar, H E Dr. Deepak Mittal, and a large number of members of Indian community, including prominent businessmen.
“Qatar played an important role in our energy security and India takes pride to participate in Qatar's food security programme,” the Minister of State said.
“We are developing mutually beneficial partnership in areas of health, education, technology, security, defence, agriculture, connectivity, culture among others.”
He said India and Qatar enjoy a strong bond of friendship. The historical people to people contacts, the pearl trades, dhows moving between shores of India and Qatar provide a strong foundation to our ever-growing multifaceted bilateral cooperation.
“There is very close personal friendship between Prime Minister of India and H H the Amir of Qatar which provides strong impetus to our bilateral relation.”
To address the grievances of Indian diaspora, he said:“We created a fully integrated online 'Madad Portal'. The interface of the embassy has been expanded through 'India in Qatar' mobile app and Pravasi Bhartiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) helpline in Qatar.”
“It has been decided to set up one stop center in the embassy in Qatar to support Indian women in the time of their need,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the Minister of State held a discussion with Indian community representatives.“I also noted your concerns, especially on mobility and various other issues as well. We have raised them with Qatari authorities. I also made suggestions to meet community's social need,” said Muraleedharan.
Lauding Indian community in Qatar, he said it was heartwarming to see how the community maintained deep and abiding connection with India and its rich heritage and culture.“You have nurtured strong bond with your roots and uphold the traditions, rites and rituals, culture and language.”
Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs of India arrived in Qatar yesterday on a three-day official visit.
During his visit, he will meet ministers and other Qatari dignitaries. According to the information shared by the Indian Embassy, the Minister will attend inauguration of Indian pavilion at Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) today, interact with Indian fishermen at Al Wakra, and attend Labour Day celebrations with blue-collar workers from India at Asian Town Cricket Stadium.
The visit would add to the momentum of the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both countries share excellent bilateral relations ranging across political, economic, defence, cultural and educational fields, which have further strengthened in the past few years. Qatar is home to over 700,000 Indians. Both countries will be celebrating the golden jubilee of the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 2023. Speaking on the occasion, ICC President PN Babu Rajan said Indian residents in Qatar were getting lots of support from Qatar's government, as well as recognition for their hard work and sincere efforts in the development of the country.
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