News Highlight
The Qatar Conundrum: India, Qatar and the continuing saga of eight detained ex-Indian Navy officers.
Key Takeaway
- Concerns are growing over the detention of eight former Indian Navy officials detained by the intelligence agencies in Qatar.
- The Indian government sent high-ranking officials to Doha, Qatar’s capital, to secure the release of these Indian nationals.
Why has Qatar detained ex-Indian Navy officials?
- According to local media reports, Doha accused the ex-Indian Navy officials of ‘spying for Israel,’ a claim denied by Indian government sources.
- The detained Indian personnel were working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy, a company controlled by an Oman Air Force officer, and were tasked with training the Qatar Navy.
- The crew had lived in Qatar for the previous five years but were unexpectedly detained at their residences in the middle of the night.
- Additionally, it was revealed that they had experienced “severe mental torment.”
India and Qatar
- Defence relation
- India provides Qatar and other partner nations with training spots at its defence establishments.
- The Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX), held every two years in Qatar, is a regular event in which India takes part.
- Ships from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard frequently visit Qatar as a part of their bilateral interactions and cooperation.
- Za’ir-Al-Bahr (Roar of the Sea) is the naval exercise between the Indian and Qatar Navy.
- Commercial & Investment Relations
- India’s bilateral trade with Qatar in 2020-21 was US$ 9.21 billion.
- LNG, LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals, plastics, and products made of aluminium are among Qatar’s significant exports to India.
- Cereals, copper, iron, steel products, fruits, vegetables, spices, and processed food products are among India’s top exports to Qatar, along with plastic products, building supplies, textiles and apparel, chemicals, precious stones, and rubber.
- India, along with China and Japan, is one of Qatar’s top three export destinations and one of its top three import sources.
- With more than 50% of India’s total LNG imports coming from Qatar, this country is the primary LNG provider to India.
- Along with LNG, Qatar is the source of India’s imports of ethylene, propylene, ammonia, urea, and polyethene.
- As a result, Qatar continues to benefit significantly from the trade balance.
- Health
- Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) supplied Covid medical assistance material to India through a particular Amiri Air Force plane to tackle the second wave of Covid-19.
- The Indian community in Qatar also made a significant contribution by delivering oxygen-related supplies to India.
Significance of Qatar to India
- In Qatar, most foreigners are Indian.
- Qatar is essential for India’s interests due to the remittances that go to Indians from the country and the goodwill and safety of Indians there.
- India’s primary source of LNG is Qatar.
- It is essential for India’s energy security as a result.
- Qatar’s status as a GCC member and strategic relevance to India in defending its interests, particularly about the Kashmir Issue.
- Qatar must back India’s request for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
- In Qatar, several Indian businesses are active, including Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Wipro, MahindraTech, and Larsen & Toubro Limited.
- India’s energy and maritime security have vital interests in the stability of the Gulf area.
Conclusion
- India should not be afraid to engage the area and even monarchies like Qatar, Bahrain, and others in productive dialogue while actively contributing to world peace.
- Qatar aims to invest in India’s infrastructure, which includes building roads, highways, economic corridors, airports, ports, hotels, and tourism facilities.
Pic Courtesy: PMI
Content Source: Indian Express