In a rare move, India has publicly criticized Israel following airstrikes in Doha, Qatar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, expressing "deep concern" over the attacks and condemning the "violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar".
This development comes amidst a complex web of relationships. India and Qatar have historically maintained close ties, rooted in trade and people-to-people connections. In fact, 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. These relations were further elevated to a strategic partnership during the Emir's visit to India in February 2025. This partnership aims to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and security. Qatar is a crucial energy partner for India, supplying a significant portion of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports. Moreover, a large Indian expatriate community resides in Qatar, contributing to various sectors.
At the same time, India and Israel have also seen a strengthening of their bilateral relations in recent years. This has led to increased cooperation in areas such as agriculture, science, health, IT, and telecommunications. A bilateral investment agreement was recently signed to encourage economic cooperation and trade between the two nations. Israel is also a significant supplier of military hardware to India.
The recent Israeli airstrikes in Doha, reportedly targeting Hamas leadership, have sparked global outrage. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India voiced "deep concerns" over the impact of the strikes on regional security. PM Modi has emphasized the need for resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy, while also reiterating India's firm stance against terrorism.
This situation highlights the delicate balancing act India often undertakes in its foreign policy, maintaining strong relationships with different nations while navigating complex geopolitical scenarios. India's condemnation of the Israeli strikes in Doha underscores its commitment to Qatar's sovereignty and regional stability, while also reflecting the importance of its strategic partnership with the Gulf nation. This stance aligns with India's broader foreign policy objectives of promoting peace, stability, and de-escalation in the region.
