Qatar-India trade pact discussions are on the horizon, following statements by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. He announced that Qatar has expressed strong interest in negotiating a free trade agreement with India.
This development comes as India finalizes an FTA with Oman, signaling expanding opportunities with Gulf partners. At the same time, Saudi Arabia has also shown interest in trade agreements through the GCC bloc. The growing momentum underscores how Qatar-India trade pact negotiations could strengthen ties and broaden market access.
India already maintains FTAs with several developed economies, including Australia, the UK, Mauritius, and the UAE. These agreements have opened markets and improved investment opportunities. Currently, India is also negotiating with the European Union, the United States, Chile, Peru, and New Zealand.
Goyal noted that negotiations with the European Union are progressing quickly. India’s Commerce Secretary will soon visit Brussels to review ongoing discussions. The 13th round of EU-India negotiations will take place in early September, followed by a visit from the European Commissioner for Trade.
At a recent industry event, Goyal emphasized that expanding FTAs remains a key priority. He highlighted India’s efforts to secure trade partnerships with both regional allies and global players. He also confirmed that a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States is being advanced, with the first phase expected by late 2025.
Furthermore, GCC countries remain central to India’s trade strategy. The bloc includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Among them, Oman is India’s third-largest GCC export destination. India already signed a pact with the UAE in 2022, which continues to strengthen bilateral trade.
Such agreements reduce or eliminate customs duties and simplify regulations, promoting growth in both goods and services. They also attract foreign investment and expand access for exporters. Officials believe a potential Qatar-India trade pact would create new business opportunities while reinforcing economic stability across the region.
India is also engaging with the Eurasian Economic Union, comprising Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. These talks aim to establish another free trade framework. Together, these efforts highlight India’s strategy of broadening global partnerships and strengthening economic resilience.
