INDIA-QATAR RELATIONS

Why in the News?

The unprecedented nature of the death sentences given to eight retired Indian naval personnel in Qatar presents a substantial diplomatic challenge for India.

Background of the case

INDIA-QATAR RELATIONS

Political Significance

• Qatar’s membership in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is politically significant for India, especially concerning issues like Kashmir.

• Also, India needs support of Qatar for UNSC permanent membership.

Energy Security

• Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India. It makes up almost 50% of our LNG imports.
• An example of this is the long-term LNG supply contract signed between India's Petronet LNG and Qatar's RasGas in 2015, which reinforced the energy partnership between the two countries.

Economic and trade ties

• India is among the top four largest export destinations for Qatar (Qatar exports to India- LNG, LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals, fertilisers, plastics).
• India is also among the top three sources of Qatar’s imports (India’s key exports to Qatar include cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, fruits).

Business Presence of Indian Companies

• Several Indian Companies like L&T, Wipro, TCS and TechMahindra operate in Qatar. For eg: L&T's partnership in the Doha Metro project.

Investment:

• Collaborative ventures in India’s PSU disinvestments, participation in the National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF), and bids for hydrocarbon blocks under the HELP policy were discussed.

Diaspora and Remittances

• Around 8 lakh Indian expatriate community live and work in Qatar.
• The flow of remittances (around 750 million dollars) and safety of Indian expatriate community, makes Qatar vital for India’s interest.

Defence and strategic co-operation

• India and Qatar have signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement for stronger defence cooperation.
• The maritime relations are further strengthened by Exercise Zair-Al-Bahr.
• India participates in Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) in Qatar.

Terrorism Eradication:

• Agreements were made on sharing information to prevent money laundering and combat terrorism, affirming a collective commitment to eliminate these threats. 

Vibrant Cultural Exchanges

• Cultural events organised by community organizations affiliated to the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC).
• Qatar was a co-sponsor of India’s resolution for declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day.

Challenges in India-Qatar Relations

• Death Sentence Issue:
  • The arrest and subsequent death sentence of Indian Navy personnel in Qatar have strained the bilateral relationship.
  • The secretive trial and harsh punishment have raised concerns about the judicial process and due process rights.
• Trade Deficit
  • In the case of India and Qatar, the balance of trade is tilted heavily in the latter’s favour — which means imports from Qatar far outweigh India’s exports.

• Islamic Conservatism:
  • Qatar's strong reaction to controversial remarks made by an Indian ruling party spokesperson about the Prophet Muhammad highlights the challenge of religious sensitivities in diplomatic relations.
• Media Influence:
  • Qatar's influential media outlet, Al-Jazeera, has occasionally run aggressive campaigns against India, such as during the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
• Harbouring Extremism:
  • Qatar serves as a host to various opposition and militant leaders from the Islamic world, including factions like Palestinian Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood, and the Taliban.
• Labor and Migrant Workers’ Issues:  
  • While Qatar has made progress in labour reform, there have been concerns about the welfare of Indian migrant workers, including issues related to working conditions, wages, and access to legal protection. 
• Geopolitical Dynamics in the Region:
  • India’s relations with other nations in the Middle East, which might not always align with Qatar’s alliances, could potentially strain bilateral ties.
  • For example, speculations suggest that the death penalty verdict may be linked to differences over the Israel-Palestine issue.

Way Forward

Diplomatic Engagement: Regular high-level visits and dialogues to build mutual trust and understanding.

Economic and Trade Cooperation: Both countries can explore new sectors for cooperation, such as information technology, healthcare, education, and renewable energy

Energy Security: Both sides can explore long-term agreements and energy security initiatives to safeguard India's energy needs.

Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Cultural events, such as art exhibitions, music festivals, and educational collaborations, can foster stronger cultural ties and create a better understanding of each other's societies.

Security and Defence Cooperation: Joint military exercises and information sharing can enhance strategic ties and security cooperation.

Counterterrorism Cooperation: Both countries can collaborate in sharing intelligence and implementing measures to counter radicalization.

Environmental Sustainability: Both countries can work together on climate change mitigation and the development of clean and renewable energy sources.

CONCLUSION

Amidst the death penalty crisis, India’s focus should be on ensuring the safety and justice for its citizens. Negotiating this complex diplomatic scenario demands careful handling to safeguard India’s foreign policy interests and the rights of its citizens. India must navigate this situation while considering the mutual benefits and the significance of maintaining robust and amicable ties with Qatar.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: India’s outreach in the Gulf has received a setback in the form of the recent diplomatic row with Qatar. In this context, analyse the challenges in India’s bilateral relations with Qatar.(15M)