INDIA – QATAR

01 Nov INDIA – QATAR

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ INDIA – QATAR”. This topic has relevance in the International Relations section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

India’s Gas Import Dependency and Trade with Qatar?

For Mains:

GS 2: International Relations

Qatar’s Significance for India?

Geostrategic Significance of India-Qatar Relations?

Concerns Impacting India-Qatar Relations?

Why in the news?

In a recent development, a Qatari court sentenced eight former Indian Navy veterans who were detained in Doha in 2022 to death.

India’s Gas Import Dependency and Trade with Qatar

• Imports from Qatar:
  • In FY2022-23, India’s total imports from Qatar amounted to $16.81 billion.
  • LNG imports alone represented a significant portion at $8.32 billion, accounting for 5% of the total imports.
  • Other major imports from Qatar include fossil fuel-related commodities like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), plastics, and petrochemical products.
  • Petronet LNG, a government-owned entity, holds a long-term contract with Qatar for importing 8.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG.
• Exports to Qatar:

• • In the same fiscal year, India’s exports to Qatar were valued at $1.97 billion.
  • Key exports encompass cereals, copper articles, iron and steel products, vegetables, fruits, spices, and processed food items.

 

Qatar’s Significance for India

• Indian Diaspora in Qatar:
  • Over 800,000 Indian nationals call Qatar their home.
  • They constitute the largest expatriate community in Qatar, contributing to various sectors such as medicine, engineering, education, finance, banking, business, media, and a substantial number in blue-collar jobs.
• Imports and Exports:
  • Qatar is a vital trade partner for India.
  • Key exports from Qatar to India include LNG, LPG, chemicals, petrochemicals, plastics, and aluminum articles.
  • India reciprocates with exports to Qatar, such as cereals, copper articles, iron and steel products, vegetables, fruits, spices, processed food items, electrical and machinery, plastic products, construction materials, textiles and garments, chemicals, precious stones, and rubber.
  • India ranks among the top three largest export destinations for Qatar, alongside China and Japan, and is among the top three sources of Qatar’s imports, along with China and the United States.
• Defense Ties:

• • India and Qatar share defense ties with various collaborations.
  • India provides training opportunities in its defense institutions to several partner countries, including Qatar.
  • India takes an active part in the biennial Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) hosted in Qatar.
  • Indian Naval and Coast Guard ships make regular visits to Qatar, enhancing bilateral cooperation.
  • The India-Qatar Defense Cooperation Agreement, initially signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Qatar in November 2008, was extended for an additional five years in November 2018, solidifying defense cooperation between the two nations.

 

Geostrategic Significance of India-Qatar Relations

• GCC Membership:
  • Qatar’s membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) holds considerable geostrategic importance for India, particularly regarding sensitive matters like Kashmir.
• UNSC Support:

• • India’s pursuit of a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) necessitates backing from nations like Qatar.

 

Concerns Impacting India-Qatar Relations: 

•  Religious Controversy:
  • In June 2022, a controversy erupted due to derogatory remarks about the Prophet on a TV show, causing tensions between India and Qatar.
  • Qatar demanded a public apology, which India promptly addressed by removing the individual responsible.
•  Recent Shift-Overs:

• • A notable challenge arises from the imprisonment of eight former Navy personnel in Qatar.
  • This incident caught India off guard, especially given the presence of a substantial Indian expatriate community in Qatar, rendering India-Qatar relations a delicate issue.

Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/8-navy-veterans-sentenced-to-death-qatar-9002680/

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 01st Nov 2023

Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding Qatar’s location?

1. Qatar is situated on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
2. Qatar is a landlocked country in the Middle East.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Check Answer

 

 

Q.2 Consider the following statements:

1. Indians constitute the largest expatriate community in Qatar.
2. India is a part of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Check Answer

 

Q.3 How has the India-Qatar relationship evolved, and what are the key factors influencing this bilateral partnership in the contemporary geopolitical landscape?