A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Qatar is likely to be finalized in early October. This agreement is part of a plan to double bilateral trade to $28 billion over the next five years. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Qatar on October 6th could prove decisive in this regard.
Trade deal: A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Qatar could be finalized in the first week of October 2025. This move is part of the economic goals set in February in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which include doubling bilateral trade by 2030. Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will visit Qatar on October 6th, while India-EU trade negotiations are also ongoing with an important meeting on September 12th. This agreement could expand India's international trade and investment opportunities.
Initiation of India-Qatar FTA
The initiation of this agreement took place in February 2025, when the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, visited India. In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, both countries signed two significant agreements. The first agreement was on establishing a strategic partnership, and the second was based on an amended double taxation avoidance. The framework for a Free Trade Agreement began to take shape during this period.
Possibility of Finalization in October
According to government sources, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, may visit Qatar on October 6, 2025. The FTA could be formally finalized during this visit. This will accelerate trade activities between the two countries and provide a clear direction for investors.
Goal to Double Trade
In the talks held in February 2025, India and Qatar set a goal to double bilateral trade in the next five years. Currently, this trade is around $14 billion USD, and the aim is to increase it to $28 billion USD. To achieve this goal, both countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in various sectors.
Once the FTA is implemented, trade barriers between the two countries will be reduced. Indian products will become more accessible in Qatar, and Qatari products will easily enter India. Consequently, both imports and exports can increase. This will directly benefit Indian exporters, investors, and the industrial sector.
India-EU Negotiations Also Ongoing
Meanwhile, trade negotiations between India and the European Union are also in progress. The 13th round of meetings is currently underway. Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal is scheduled to meet with the European Trade Commissioner Maros Šefčovič on September 12, 2025. This meeting will further strengthen cooperation and understanding between both sides.
India's international trade outlook has now become more comprehensive. The FTA with Qatar and the negotiations with the European Union will strengthen India's access to global markets. This strategy will not only boost trade but also create new opportunities for investment and technological cooperation.
Investment and Employment Opportunities
The implementation of the FTA will increase investment in India and create employment opportunities. Trade in energy, LNG, and technology products from Qatar will see growth. Additionally, investment in the manufacturing and services sectors in India will be encouraged. In this way, the impact of the FTA will also reach the common people.
