Modi in Qatar: PM woos business delegates, shares meal with Indian workers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Doha on a two-day visit which is focused on giving a new push to the economic ties, particularly in the hydrocarbon sector, between India and the energy-rich Qatar. On his arrival, Modi was warmly received by Qatar's Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani at the Hamad International Airport.
Qatar is an important trading partner for India in the Gulf region with bilateral trade in 2014-15 exceeding $ 15 billion. Qatar is also one of India's key sources of crude oil. (Source: PIB)

READ PM Modi arrives in Qatar, economic cooperation high on agenda

PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Qatar in the last eight years. The then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited Doha in 2008.
On reaching Doha, PM Modi had tweeted saying, "I look forward to the various programs that will enhance economic & people-to-people ties between India & Qatar." (Source: PTI)

READ PM Modi arrives in Qatar, economic cooperation high on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, who also hosted a banquet in his honour. The meeting with the Qatari Premier was the last of Modi's the engagements on the first day of his two-day visit in the oil-rich country. (Source: PTI)

There has been regular exchange of high-level bilateral visits in the recent past. The Emir of Qatar had visited India in March 2015. Previously, the then Emir of Qatar had visited India in 1999, 2005 and 2012. (Source: PIB)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also interacted with the Indian community in Mesheireb, Qatar. Around 630,000 Indians currently reside in the country.

PM Modi assured Indian workers in Qatar that he will take up problems faced by them during his talks with leaders of this Gulf nation. Addressing Indian workers at a medical camp in downtown Doha, Modi said he is aware of the issues being faced by Indian workers and the companies that bring them to the country. "I Am aware of the issues you are facing. I will talk about it when I meet the authorities," he said. (Source: PIB)

PM Modi noted that his first engagement during his two-day visit to Qatar on the second leg of his five-nation tour was a visit to the camp of Indian workers in the country. "I came to Doha in the evening and the first programme on my schedule was to meet you all," he said.

PM Modi also interacted with workers after his brief address and shared refreshments with them. He shook hands with several workers during his 30-minute stay at the camp. (Source: PIB)

PM Modi also struck a chrod with the Indian workers when he said, "When someone from your land, speaking your language comes, I am sure that would make you very happy."

The PM also said India's global image is not made by its prime minister or its Ambassador but, "it's all of you through your behaviour, who earn India a good name. This global goodwill is the biggest international reserve currency," he added. (Source: PTI)

PM Modi enquired about the health problems being faced by the workers and found that counselling and diabetes were the two main issues of concern. "Do work hard, but while doing so, please do focus on keeping your health and body fighting fit," he said. (Source: PIB)

The Prime Minister also appreciated the wellness centre for the workers, saying that it offered facilities like yoga and relaxation techniques.
He said he wants to congratulate doctor friends for the good work they are doing in Qatar. "Happy to see regular health check ups being conducted here," he said. (Source: PIB)

At the event, Qatar's Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohammad Al-Kuwari and Finance Minister Ali Shareef Al Emadi were also present. (Source: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off his first engagement on the second day of his official visit in Qatar and held a meeting with the business leaders to discuss trade and investment. He is said to have persuaded the captains of industry to invest in India as the country has made doing business easier.

Lauding Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Al Thani’s role in promoting business ties between both nations, PM Modi reached out to the business community describing India as a "land of opportunity"and promised to address "bottlenecks" identified by them. (Source: PTI)

READ Will address issues, come and invest in India: PM Modi to Qatar business delegation

"All of you recognise the potential of India. I will address the bottlenecks you have identified," Modi said. He described 800 million youth in India as the country's biggest strength. "India's 800 million youth are its biggest strength. Infrastructure expansion & upgradation & manufacturing are my other priorities," Modi said. (Source: PIB)

READ Will address issues, come and invest in India: PM Modi to Qatar business delegation

Qatar's Minister of Trade & Economy Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani welcomed Modi and sought more intensive economic engagement with India.

The size of annual bilateral trade between India and Qatar is around USD 10 billion and both the countries would like to expand it significantly. Qatar has a major sovereign wealth fund and India is eyeing to attract investment from it.

READ Will address issues, come and invest in India: PM Modi to Qatar business delegation

PM Modi added that projects like smart cities, metros and urban waste management are geared towards upgrading quality of life of people. (Source: PIB)

READ Will address issues, come and invest in India: PM Modi to Qatar business delegation