India, Qatar push for free flow of global trade
Doha vows to be reliable energy partner
India on Friday emphasised the need for “unimpeded freedom” of navigation and the smooth flow of global commerce to sustain supply chains, as Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held high-level talks in Qatar amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.
During his two-day visit to Doha, Puri met Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi with discussions focusing on energy security, bilateral cooperation and regional stability.
Qatar reiterated its position as a reliable energy partner, with Al-Kaabi assuring continued cooperation and supply commitments to India, a major energy importer.
The visit assumes significance against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions impacting global oil flows and supply chains, with India closely monitoring developments in key transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Both sides welcomed the recently announced two-week ceasefire and stressed the importance of an early end to disruptions in global energy supplies. They underlined that ensuring free movement of shipping, particularly through critical routes, remained essential for maintaining stability in international markets.
Puri conveyed greetings and a message of solidarity from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
He also recalled recent telephonic conversations between Modi and the Qatari leadership, during which both sides had called for restoring peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
The talks covered the full spectrum of India-Qatar strategic ties, including trade, investment, energy cooperation, culture and people-to-people relations.
Both sides expressed hope for an early return of normalcy in the region and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral engagement.
The ministers agreed to remain in close contact in the coming weeks as diplomatic and economic efforts continue to stabilise the region.
