Introduction
India and Qatar have historically maintained robust diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations; however, their defence cooperation has witnessed significant growth under Narendra Modi’s transformative leadership. Modi’s proactive foreign policy, marked by decisive high-level engagements and an apparent strategic realignment, has fundamentally reshaped bilateral ties. Given Qatar’s strategic location in the Gulf region and India’s expanding security ambitions in West Asia, both nations are increasingly collaborating to strengthen military and security cooperation. These developments occur at a time when global power shifts– the rise of China as a challenger to the America-led world order, vulnerabilities exposed by the 2008 financial crisis, and recent geopolitical disruptions such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, necessitate a closer partnership to bolster mutual strengths and mitigate vulnerabilities. Furthermore, this cooperation is underpinned by India Vision 2047 and Qatar National Vision 2030, frameworks emphasising advancements in defence and security capabilities and enabling the two nations to complement and support each other’s strategic goals.
From Limited Security Cooperation to Strategic Partnership
Before 2014, India-Qatar defence ties were primarily limited to isolated naval interactions and counter-piracy efforts. The 2008 signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) during then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Qatar on November 9, 2008, laid a foundational framework for security dialogue and training exchanges, yet substantial engagement remained minimal. With the advent of India’s Look West policy, initial steps toward enhanced defence collaboration began; however, the fundamental transformation occurred after Modi assumed leadership. Under Modi’s leadership, India’s engagement with the Gulf region has undergone a marked transformation characterised by strategic initiatives. Between 2016 and 2023, defence cooperation expanded considerably. Modi’s visit to Qatar on June 4, 2016, initiated discussions on counterterrorism and security coordination, setting the foundation for robust bilateral military cooperation. By 2018, both nations enhanced their naval engagements through joint maritime exercises, and in 2020, India explored opportunities to supply military hardware to Qatar. By 2023, Qatar had expressed keen interest in acquiring Indian defence technology, leading to advanced discussions on procuring Indian-made weapons and defence platforms. These developments, driven by mutual interests in regional stability and self-reliance in defence production, illustrate India’s strategic move to diversify its partnerships and Qatar’s efforts to reduce dependency on Western suppliers. An academic analysis of these trends reveals that such cooperation diversifies defence relationships and serves as a critical counterbalance in an increasingly multi-polar geopolitical landscape.
A defining moment in the evolution of India-Qatar relations was the release of eight Indian Navy veterans detained on espionage charges in February 2023. Modi’s direct intervention—leveraging established diplomatic and security channels—reinforced mutual trust and cemented India’s role as a reliable strategic partner in Qatar. This event catalysed further cooperation, expanding the scope of bilateral engagement to include enhanced intelligence sharing, joint counterterrorism operations, and collaborative efforts in maritime security. As both nations strive for greater self-reliance in defence production, their ongoing partnership reflects a commitment to address contemporary security challenges through diversified and robust defence strategies.
Signing of the Strategic Partnership
The landmark visit of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to India on February 17–18, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, particularly in the defence and security sectors, and elevated the relationship to a strategic partnership. During this visit, both heads of state emphasised the importance of deepening military collaboration, joint intelligence sharing, and enhanced defence procurement. They stressed the need to boost counterterrorism capabilities, strengthen strategic maritime security, and leverage technological cooperation for modernising defence systems. Their joint statements underscored a unified approach to addressing emerging security threats and safeguarding regional stability.
In addition to conventional defence measures, the visit highlighted robust efforts to prevent radicalisation. India and Qatar have implemented comprehensive intelligence-sharing mechanisms and coordinated counterterrorism initiatives to monitor extremist networks, disrupt terror financing, and strengthen cybersecurity frameworks. Both nations have also adopted de-radicalisation programs designed to address the root causes of extremism—Qatar by promoting counter-extremist narratives and India through its extensive intelligence operations. This multifaceted strategy enhances domestic security, secures critical energy routes, and protects the welfare of the large Indian diaspora in Qatar.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite considerable progress, several obstacles remain in the two countries’ strategic partnerships. Qatar’s longstanding reliance on Western military suppliers limits the extent of India’s influence in its defence procurement processes. Furthermore, India must balance its engagements with other key regional players—such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran—while deepening its ties with Qatar. Expanding defence manufacturing under the Make in India initiative is essential for enhancing India’s strategic footprint in the Gulf, and there is a pressing need to intensify joint military exercises in both the Gulf region and the Arabian Sea. Given the shared security threats in the region, enhanced intelligence cooperation on counterterrorism is imperative. Addressing these challenges will require sustained diplomatic efforts and strategic negotiations to maximise the potential of the defence partnership.
India and Qatar are well-positioned to deepen their strategic engagement through high-level defence dialogues, technological collaboration, and joint military research initiatives. Enhanced maritime security agreements and targeted defence procurement collaborations will be key to fostering a stable security environment in the Gulf. Integrating defence policies with broader economic development goals—as outlined in India Vision 2047 and Qatar National Vision 2030—will ensure sustained mutual benefits and further solidify this emerging strategic partnership. The alignment of defence modernisation with economic visions like India Vision 2047 and Qatar National Vision 2030 creates a synergistic relationship that supports sustainable growth.
The strategic partnership between India and Qatar marks a significant evolution in defence diplomacy as both nations work to diversify their military alliances and reduce dependence on traditional Western suppliers. By engaging in comprehensive defence collaboration, India and Qatar are setting the stage for a more resilient security framework in the region.
Further, integrating advanced defence technologies through joint military exercises and collaborative research initiatives enhances operational capabilities. The emphasis on innovation under the Make in India initiative, combined with Qatar’s investments in modernising its defence infrastructure, is expected to yield transformative technological advancements. These advancements will bolster both countries’ defence industrial base and significantly improve their strategic and tactical operations.
Lastly, the collaborative defence strategy between India and Qatar offers valuable insights into managing complex geopolitical challenges. By leveraging historical ties, shared strategic interests, and coordinated efforts in counterterrorism and cybersecurity, both countries are developing a robust framework for addressing emerging global threats. This proactive approach to defence diplomacy enhances regional stability and provides a replicable model for international partnerships in a rapidly changing world.
Conclusion
India-Qatar defence cooperation under Narendra Modi has evolved into a dynamic strategic partnership that addresses contemporary and long-term security challenges. The pivotal events—the February 2023 release of Indian Navy veterans and the Emir’s visit in February 2025—have reinforced mutual trust and deepened bilateral engagement. Academic analysis indicates that India’s increasing role in Gulf security is part of a broader strategy to diversify its defence relationships and promote indigenous defence production under the Make-in-India initiative. These trends signal a future where India and Qatar will continue to play crucial roles in ensuring regional stability and security by leveraging historical ties and aligning their defence and economic policies.
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