September 8, 2025 | New Delhi, India (The Arabian Wall Street) — India is preparing to finalise the terms of reference for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Qatar by early October, as New Delhi seeks to expand global partnerships and offset the impact of higher U.S. tariffs.
A government source confirmed that Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to visit Doha on October 6 to conclude the framework for negotiations. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the talks reflect India’s push to accelerate trade diversification.
During Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s February 2025 visit to India, both nations agreed to elevate their partnership and double bilateral trade to $28 billion within five years. Qatar also pledged to invest $10 billion in India across infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, logistics, food security, and hospitality.
Energy and investment ties
India and Qatar enjoy close cooperation in energy, underlined by the renewal of a 20-year liquefied natural gas supply deal starting in 2028. The upcoming pact aims to expand the relationship further into manufacturing and services, reinforcing Qatar’s role as a vital economic partner.
U.S. tariffs accelerate strategy
The urgency follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods linked to Russian oil imports, doubling total duties to 50%. Exporter groups estimate that nearly 55% of India’s $87 billion in U.S. merchandise exports could be affected, handing an advantage to competitors such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China.
To safeguard its markets, India is also advancing trade discussions with the European Union, Oman, Chile, and Peru, while balancing export ambitions with protections for farmers and small businesses.
For Arabian Wallstreet, the India–Qatar trade pact framework highlights New Delhi’s determination to strengthen Gulf partnerships and mitigate global trade shocks at a time of shifting economic alliances.
