Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya returned to Sri Lanka today (16) after visiting Qatar to convey condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka following the passing of the Father Emir of Qatar. 

During her visit, she met His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace and extended condolences to members of the Royal Family.

The Prime Minister subsequently visited Al Wajba Palace, where she conveyed  condolences on behalf of Sri Lanka to Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, mother of the Emir of the State of Qatar and Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation. 

She also expressed condolences to Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani and Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, daughters of the late Father Emir, as well as to other members of the Royal Family. 

The Prime Minister further conveyed condolences on behalf of Sri Lanka to Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family of the State of Qatar. (Newswire)

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US and Iran agree to halt strikes and hold talks in Qatar on Tuesday over Strait of Hormuz tensions, US media reports.

The United States and Iran have agreed to halt their military strikes and will hold high-level talks in Qatar on Tuesday in an urgent effort to rescue their fragile peace agreement, American media reported, citing senior US officials.

The breakthrough comes after days of escalating military exchanges that threatened to derail an interim memorandum of understanding signed on 17 June, which aimed to end the conflict that began in late February and disrupted shipping through the vital waterway.

Under that agreement, Tehran committed to allow safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz while Washington agreed to lift its blockade of Iranian ports.

‘Ships can pass freely, for now’

“We decided to stop all the kinetic activity,” a senior US official told media outlet Axios on Sunday, using a military term for strikes.

A second American official told Axios both sides will stand down “for now” and that “vessels can move freely” as talks are set to continue.

Both US officials and a third source with knowledge confirmed Tuesday’s meeting in Qatar, Axios said.

CNN reported matching comments from a Trump administration official, confirming that the two sides have agreed to meet in Doha on Tuesday for further discussions.

Venue moved from Switzerland to Qatar

US President Donald Trump has maintained a firm stance throughout the friction. On Saturday, Trump repeated his warnings of total military action if Iranian attacks on shipping resume, stating that Iran would “no longer exist” if the US is “forced” to restart the war.

According to diplomatic sources, Tuesday’s meeting was originally scheduled to take place in Switzerland to address broader issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme. However, following the dangerous spike in military confrontations over the weekend, the venue was shifted to Qatar, and the agenda was narrowed specifically to the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz. (Euronews)

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An explosion tore through Qatar’s key natural gas export terminal Sunday night as workers tried to resume operations there after Iran bombed it during the war, causing a fire that hurt at least 54 people as another 18 were still missing hours later. 

The blast at the Ras Laffan industrial area could cause further chaos in global energy markets, particularly as Qatar remains one of the world’s top natural gas producers. Qatar shut down its production after Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz meant it couldn’t get shipments out to its clients.

With Iran loosening its grip on the strait as negotiations continue over a permanent end to the war, Qatar began work to try to restart its export terminal. On Sunday night, that work sparked an explosion and fire at the Barzan gas supply facility, the state-run firm QatarEnergy said.

The scale of the damage remains unknown after the blast, with officials initially saying only a few people had been hurt. But hours later, Qatar’s Interior Ministry offered the far greater casualty figures.

The Barzan plant had a capacity of almost 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day, which Qatar used primarily for local electricity generation and to power its crucial water desalination plants in the desert reaches of the Arabian Peninsula.

Qatar owns nearly all of the plant, with a small share also held by ExxonMobil. The oil company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In March, an Iranian missile hit Ras Laffan, sparking a fire that caused “extensive” damage before it was extinguished, authorities said. Qatar had already halted production there because of Iranian attacks.

Qatar shares its massive offshore natural gas field in the Persian Gulf with Iran. That natural gas production has made Qatar wealthy. It has used that money to raise its profile worldwide through hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, creating the Al Jazeera news network and funding its work as an international mediator, including the talks in Switzerland between Iran and the United States. (NBC News)

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The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Qatar, Sithara Khan, on Thursday (18) hosted Sri Lanka’s Javelin star Rumesh Tharanga at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha.

The meeting comes ahead of Rumesh Tharanga’s participation in the Wanda Diamond League at the Qatar Sports Club.

During the felicitation, Ambassador Khan congratulated Tharanga on his remarkable achievements this season.

She further conveyed her best wishes for his upcoming event scheduled for today (19) at 8:00 pm. 

Ambassador Khan also commended his determination and ambition to secure an Olympic medal for Sri Lanka at the 2028 Games.

The event was attended by Tharanga’s coaches and his father, along with representatives of the Sri Lanka Coordinating Committee, Sri Lanka Benevolent Fund, Sri Lanka Business and Professional Council, and Embassy staff, all of whom joined in extending their best wishes to the athlete. (Newswire)

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The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Qatar launched its year‑long golden jubilee celebrations of diplomatic ties with a Ceylon Tea Tasting Evening at the prestigious Katara Cultural Village, blending culture, diplomacy, and heritage. 

The event, attended by ambassadors, senior officials, and business leaders, also marked the 159th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s world‑renowned tea industry, underscoring tea’s role as both an export of excellence and a symbol of friendship across nations. 

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha, the evening was graced by General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, Khalid Al Sulaiti, as Chief Guest. The choice of Katara Cultural Village as the venue was a testament to the deep cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Qatar providing a fitting and prestigious backdrop for an evening of warmth, diplomacy and the finest teas.

The distinguished gathering brought together ambassadors, diplomats, senior government officials, members of the international business community, and media representatives to celebrate two landmark milestones: the 159th Anniversary of the Ceylon Tea Industry and the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the State of Qatar and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Qatar, Sithara Khan stated that since its origins in 1867, Ceylon Tea has built a distinguished reputation for quality, authenticity and excellence, emphasizing that its story extends far beyond that of a simple export commodity. She described it as a narrative of people, communities and livelihoods, rooted in sustainability, environmental stewardship and the preservation of a cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Ambassador Sithara Khan, also underscored the symbolic significance of launching the year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations with Ceylon Tea, a product that embodies hospitality, friendship and connection. She said, “It is therefore particularly fitting that we commence these year-long celebrations of this golden jubilee year with Ceylon Tea,” adding that tea has long served as a catalyst for dialogue and understanding across cultures worldwide.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka drew a meaningful parallel between tea and diplomacy, just as a shared cup of tea creates moments of conversation and friendship, the relationship between Sri Lanka and Qatar has been one of mutual respect, cooperation and enduring partnership across five decades. She added that around the world, tea has brought people together across cultures and backgrounds and in many ways, symbolises the very spirit of Sri Lanka–Qatar relations.

In her speech the Ambassador extended her sincere appreciation to the Qatar–Sri Lanka Business Council and Katara Cultural Village for their invaluable partnership in making the evening possible.

A highlight of the evening was showcasing the seven regional Ceylon Teas.

The event drew approximately 150 guests, all of whom were eager to explore the rich diversity of Ceylon Tea. Invitees were treated to a carefully curated selection of Ceylon Tea variations, from Basilur Lounge offering a sensory journey through Sri Lanka’s world-renowned tea heritage. The evening also featured artisanal accompaniments provided by Symphony Artisanal Bakery, the collaborating partners of the event.

The Ceylon Tea Tasting Evening marks the beginning of a series of events planned throughout 2026 – 2027 to celebrate 50 years of Qatar–Sri Lanka diplomatic relations. (Newswire)

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QatarEnergy, the country’s state-owned petroleum company, has confirmed that missile attacks on Ras Laffan Industrial City on March 18–19 caused extensive damage to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities, reducing Qatar’s LNG export capacity by 17% and resulting in an estimated $20 billion in annual revenue losses.

Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, said the damage to LNG Trains 4 and 6, joint ventures with ExxonMobil, amounts to 12.8 million tons per annum of production. 

Repairs are expected to take three to five years, forcing QatarEnergy to declare long-term force majeure on some contracts, with impacts on supply to China, South Korea, Italy, and Belgium, as well as impacting supply to markets in Europe and Asia.

The attacks also struck the Pearl GTL facility operated by Shell, disabling one of its two trains for at least a year. 

Associated product losses include condensates (18.6 million barrels, 24% of exports), LPG (1.281 MT, 13%), naphtha (0.594 MT, 6%), sulfur (0.18 MT, 6%), and helium (309.54 MCFA, 14%).

Minister Al-Kaabi noted that no casualties were reported, describing the strikes as “an attack on global energy security and stability.” 

He praised Qatar’s military, security forces, and energy sector emergency teams for their swift response in containing the situation. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Defence of the State of Qatar has announced that Qatar was subjected to a missile attack today (05 Mar).

According to Qatar’s Defence Ministry, air Defence systems are intercepting the missile attack.

The Ministry also urges citizens, residents, and visitors to remain calm, adhere to official instructions issued by the security authorities, avoid rumours, and rely solely on information released through official channels. (Newswire)

Qatar says it has come underfire from a fresh missile attack, with reports of heavy explosions heard in Doha.

Sky's @sallylockwood reports.

Latest: https://t.co/YqmyjXs2yg

Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/OHWiSQPSEb

— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 5, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s enduring commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of its migrant workforce is underscored by a comprehensive system of protections, including mandatory insurance, contributory pensions, grievance redress mechanisms, and reintegration support, according to Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe.

Addressing the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha, Qatar, last week, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe outlined some of the policy and institutional initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to strengthen the governance of migration and enhance protection for workers abroad. 

Referring to the National Policy on Migration for Employment and its Action Plan (2023–2027), Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Labour outlined four core policy areas, stating that Sri Lanka firmly believes that labour migration should take place under transparent, government-to-government frameworks, ensuring that both workers and destination countries benefit through fair, safe, and dignified employment relationships.

He also stated that Sri Lanka was exploring ways to strengthen social security, particularly retirement benefits for workers, as this remains one of the major challenges, adding, “By working together with destination countries, we could address this issue.”

The Second World Summit for Social Development was held in Qatar from 4 to 6 November 2025. The Summit, which was held thirty years after the landmark 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, served as a pivotal platform for dialogue, cooperation and joint solutions and bringing together governments, international organizations, the UN, civil society, cooperatives, academia, the private sector and experts to strengthen international cooperation for inclusive social development.

In addition to attending the Plenary, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe met with Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour, Qatar, Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, and discussed ways and means of strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and Qatar in the area of labour migration and initiatives to further enhance the welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers in Qatar. 

Deputy Minister Jayasinghe also met with Undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Republic of the Philippines, Adonis Sulit, and explored areas of possible cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Philippines in the area of labour and migrant workers’ welfare.

During his participation at the Summit, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe also attended sideline events as a panelist in the “Pathways out of Poverty: India’s Experience in Empowering the Last Mile” on the invitation of India and “Advancing Social Protection for Workers Across the GCC, South Asia & Africa Labour migration corridors” on the invitation by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Deputy Minister Jayasinghe was joined by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Sithara Khan, Ministers of the Mission, Kashyappa Ukwatte and Dharmasiri Wijewardhane, B. Vasanthan, Senior Assistant Secretary (Foreign Relations), Ministry of Labour and Third Secretary (Employment and Welfare), A.M.M. Umarath at the Summit, the bilateral meetings and the sideline events. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe will represent Sri Lanka in the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, held in Qatar this week.

In a statement on social media, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe said he will be accompanied by the Senior Assistant Secretary (Foreign Affairs) of the Ministry of Labour, B. Vasanthan.

The Second World Summit for Social Development was established through a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. The first World Summit for Social Development was held in 1995 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This second summit, built on 10 core commitments and responsibilities, will focus on key global issues, including poverty eradication, full employment, and the challenges posed by rapid technological and environmental change.

Additional objectives include promoting decent work, advancing social inclusion, ensuring no one is left behind, reaffirming global commitment to social development, and injecting new momentum into the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The Second World Summit for Social Development 2025 will be held in Doha from today until November 06. (Newswire)

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India and Qatar will soon finalise the framework to launch negotiations for a free trade agreement, with a deal expected to be concluded by mid or third quarter of 2026, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed on Monday. Goyal is currently in Doha for a two-day visit, leading a business delegation aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two nations.

“I would think that sometime by the middle of next year, or third quarter of next year, we will be able to finalise an FTA (free trade agreement), if not earlier,” Goyal told reporters during the visit.

Qatar, a key trading partner of India within the Gulf Cooperation Council, recorded over $14.15 billion in bilateral trade with India during 2024–25. India already holds a trade pact with the United Arab Emirates and is set to sign a similar agreement with Oman soon.

Goyal held talks with Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, to outline the terms of reference for the upcoming trade negotiations. “We have discussed that we should quickly launch FTA negotiations. We are discussing the contours of terms of reference and once we finalise that, the Qatar Minister and I have discussed that we will fast-track it so that trade and business can double by 2030 from $14 billion today to $30 billion,” he said.

A potential FTA would reduce or eliminate import duties across most goods traded and liberalise service sectors and investments. Currently, India’s trade with Qatar is heavily skewed toward energy imports. Crude petroleum and gas-related products make up nearly 90 per cent of total imports. In the last fiscal year, India imported $12.46 billion worth of goods from Qatar, while exporting just $1.68 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $10.78 billion.

India’s imports from Qatar include liquefied natural gas, propane, butane, fertilisers, plastics, and aluminium. Its exports feature industrial goods, rice, jewellery, processed minerals, automobiles, electricals, electronics, and food items such as buffalo meat and sugar.

India has received $1.53 billion in foreign direct investment from Qatar from April 2000 to June 2025. Goyal also co-chaired a meeting with business leaders from both nations. “I can see a lot of opportunities and possibilities here,” he said, noting strong potential for cooperation in agriculture, food products, renewable energy, AI, data centres, tourism, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

On Qatar’s earlier commitment of $10 billion in investments, Goyal said, “They have already invested between $4–5 billion in India and another $1–1.5 billion is already in the pipeline where they are looking at opportunities and are almost at the finalisation stage.” 

He added, “They are looking at good promoters and good projects in India and I am hopeful that our associations like CII and FICCI will certainly provide very good opportunities for investment in manufacturing and in services (sectors) like banking, insurance and AI and data centres and real estate.” (Business Today)

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Sri Lankan citizens in Qatar have been advised to stay indoors and remain vigilant due to the escalating regional tensions. 

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar has urged Sri Lankan nationals to closely follow the advice issued by the Qatar Government authorities and the Embassy.

In the event of an emergency, Sri Lankan nationals have been requested to contact the Embassy via;

• Email – emergency.sldoha@gmail.com 
• Hotline – +97471182587.

The advisory comes after an attack on US forces at Al Udeid airbase in Qatar on Monday, with Iran saying it would retaliate for the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. 

Flares were visible over Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Monday. It was initially not immediately known if this was the air defence system or missiles.

Loud explosions were also heard, although so far no injuries have been reported. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence says its air defence systems successfully intercepted missiles targeting Al Udeid Air Base.  (Newswire)

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US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended plans to receive a new luxury Boeing aircraft as a gift after media reported that he would receive an aircraft from Qatar’s royal family to replace the current Air Force One.

The Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet was described by the ABC News broadcaster in its scoop as a “flying palace,” saying it would possibly be the most costly present ever received by the US government.

Critics say acceptance of such a gift could violate strict rules on presents for US presidents and raise further questions regarding conflicts of interest with Trump’s family businesses and use of public office.

Trump plans to travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from Tuesday to Thursday.

What did Trump say?

In apparent confirmation of the reports, Trump said in a social media post late on Sunday, in which Qatar was not mentioned, that the plane was a temporary “gift” that would go to the Defense Department.

Trump wrote that the opposition Democratic Party was wrong in opposing such a present, as it meant Air Force One could be replaced “free of charge.”

“They insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane,” the US president wrote. “Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!!”

What have critics said about the jet?

The reports have provoked criticism from both sides of the political aisle.

Laura Loomer, a far-right ally of Trump, said accepting the plane would be a “stain” on the administration.

“We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits,” she posted on X. “The Qataris fund the same Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah who have murdered US Service Members.”

The Democratic National Committee said the move showed that Trump was using the presidential office for personal financial gain.

“While working families brace for higher costs and empty shelves, Trump is still focusing on enriching himself and his billionaire backers,” the DNC said in an email to supporters.

Individual Democratic lawmakers have also slammed the plan.

Senator Chris Murphy called it “wildly illegal,” while Representative Kelly Morrison said such a gift amounted to “corruption in plain sight” and an unethical, unconstitutional “bribe.”

Could the gift be illegal?

The US constitution prohibits government officials from accepting gifts “from any King, Prince or foreign State.”

Sources told ABC, however, that the White House and Department of Justice claim the gift is legal and not a bribe because it is not given in exchange for any particular favor or action.

They also say the gift would not be unconstitutional because it will first be passed on to the US Air Force before being turned over to the presidential library, and thus never given to an individual oerson as a present.

Qatar has said reports describing the jet as a gift “are inaccurate.” (DW)

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Qatar has agreed to invest $10 billion in India as trade ties between the two deepen.

The countries have committed to double the level of imports and exports to $28 billion in the next five years and to establish a free trade agreement.

A joint statement said Qatar would explore investment opportunities in sectors including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics and hospitality.  

Its sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority, will open an office in India. 

The announcements follow Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s two-day visit to India, during which he held talks with Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister.

“We want to increase and diversify India-Qatar trade linkages. Our nations can also work closely in sectors like energy, technology, healthcare, food processing, pharma and green hydrogen,” Modi posted on social media.  

Officials from both sides will open discussions on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (Cepa), seeking to diversify trade and encourage commercial ties.

Arun Kumar Chatterjee, secretary of India’s ministry of external affairs, said India was also negotiating a Cepa with the GCC bloc as a whole.

The Qatar-India statement said the two have also revised their double taxation avoidance agreement.

Qatar-India trade and investment highlights

• Last July the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Qatar Investment Authority invested in Adani Energy Solutions’ qualified institutional placement, which raised up to $1 billion.
• India’s Tata Group is in talks with Qatar-based Mannai Corporation to acquire a significant stake in Dubai-based Damas Jewellery.
• QatarEnergy renewed its contract in February last year to supply 7.5 million tonnes per year of liquefied natural gas to Indian importer Petronet LNG.
• State-run Indian refiner Bharat Petroleum announced plans in December to buy Middle Eastern crude to make up for a shortfall of cheaper Russian oil. It plans to buy 10,000 barrels per day of crude oil from Qatar. (Agbi)

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India’s economic engagement with the Middle East has been a defining aspect of its global trade and investment strategy. Qatar stands out as a key partner, with relations built on shared economic interests and a robust energy partnership. The upcoming visit of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, to India from February 17 is expected to further solidify the partnership.

Diplomatic ties, formally established in 1973, were initially driven by energy trade, as India relied on Qatar’s vast hydrocarbon reserves to meet its energy needs. Over time, this expanded beyond hydrocarbons to include trade in goods, services, and investment collaborations.

The bilateral trade volume reached about $18.77 billion in 2022-23, with India exporting a range of products to Qatar, including machinery, electronic goods, textiles, and cereals, while Qatar supplies LNG, LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals to India.

The Emir’s visit will reinforce these commercial exchanges and lead to new agreements in trade facilitation and investment partnerships. Both nations are keen to streamline business regulations, ease capital movement, and facilitate joint ventures, ensuring long-term economic collaboration.

Energy cooperation

Qatar is India’s largest supplier of LNG, accounting for a substantial portion of India’s natural gas imports. This partnership has ensured India’s access to stable and affordable energy supplies, while providing Qatar with a reliable and growing market.

The two nations are discussing long-term energy contracts, joint ventures in LNG infrastructure, and investments in renewable energy. India’s push towards a cleaner energy future aligns with Qatar’s economic diversification plans, making collaboration in solar energy, green hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies a natural progression.

The Emir’s visit is expected to result in agreements that will enhance energy security and promote investments in sustainable energy solutions. With global energy dynamics shifting, India and Qatar are well-positioned to lead the transition towards a balanced energy future.

Business collaboration

Beyond energy, India and Qatar have been actively expanding investment opportunities. The Joint Task Force on Investment has played a crucial role in identifying high-growth sectors for collaboration, including infrastructure, technology, and healthcare.

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), has already made significant investments in India, particularly in real estate, telecom, fintech, and renewable energy. As India continues to simplify its investment regulations, Qatar sees India as a key destination for capital deployment.

There could be more investment commitments, particularly in smart cities, digital economy, and logistics.

India’s thriving startup ecosystem also presents exciting opportunities for Qatari investors. With India emerging as a hub for fintech and deep tech, partnerships with Qatari venture capital firms and investment funds could unlock new economic growth avenues.

Indian workforce: Strengthening economic ties

The Indian diaspora in Qatar, numbering over 840,000, plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral ties. Indians contribute across key sectors such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and services, making them an integral part of Qatar’s economic landscape. Their remittances further bolster India’s economy, highlighting the strong financial linkages.

Both governments have introduced skill development initiatives, labor welfare programs, and professional mobility agreements to enhance the workforce’s contribution. The bilateral discussions will likely result in further measures to facilitate smoother employment processes and new training programs to align workforce skills with industry needs. (Gulf News)

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The newly appointed Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the State of Qatar, Roshan Sithara Khan Azard, assumed duties at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha on Thursday (Jan 23), becoming Sri Lanka’s first lady Ambassador to the State of Qatar.

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha, addressing the staff following the assumption of duties, Ambassador-designate Khan Azard outlined the priorities of the Government of Sri Lanka and plans to strengthen bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Qatar. 

She also emphasized the need to intensify the promotion of trade and investment between the two countries and strengthen people-to-people ties.

A career Sri Lanka Foreign Service Officer, Ambassador-designate Khan Azard joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 1998 and has served in various capacities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the most recent being as the Additional Secretary for SAARC and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Prior to her assumption of duties in Qatar as the Ambassador-designate, she served at Sri Lanka Missions and Post in London, Chennai, Doha and Ottawa, where she served as the Deputy High Commissioner and Acting High Commissioner.

Ambassador-designate Khan Azard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Peradeniya and a Master’s in English from the University of Madras, India. She is a past pupil of Methodist College, Colombo and has two sons. (Newswire)

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Nearly 140 children of Sri Lankans parents in Qatar have been denied admission to Grade One at Stafford Sri Lankan School – Doha (SSLSD).

In a letter to newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lankan parents in Qatar have urgently called for intervention. They cite financial constraints and other limitations that hinder their ability to find alternative schooling options for their children.

Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha (SSLSD) is the only school in Qatar approved by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education. It serves the educational needs of Sri Lankan expatriate workers in the country.

Parents of the affected children expressed frustration, saying their children had already completed pre-school education at SSLSD, only to have their applications for Grade 1 rejected. 

The admission issues have arisen due to the excess in student numbers, exceeding the limits set by Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE). 

Qatar’s MOEHE has since penalized SSLSD and instructed the school to remove the excess unregistered students and halt new admissions. 

Parents allege that the school’s management and Board of Directors failed to address capacity warnings, leading to the current situation. 

In April 2024, the school had communicated to parents of its decision to suspend new admissions, urging parents to seek alternative schools for their children for the academic year of 2024/25.

In a letter addressed to Sri Lanka’s former Minister of Foreign Employment, the parents expressed their dissatisfaction, citing the closure of the school’s Matar Qadeem branch as a missed warning.

This has left parents of 142 Upper Reception students, along with 385 other unregistered students, in a difficult position, as they scramble to find alternatives for their children’s education.(Newswire)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting with Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and discussed ways to chart a “futuristic roadmap” to strengthen the partnership between both nations. Both leaders deliberated to bolster bilateral relations on a wide range of issues and also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues.

The talks, held in Doha, focused on various facets of collaboration, ranging from trade and investment to energy, space, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. “Charting a futuristic roadmap for India-Qatar partnership! A productive meeting between PM @narendramodi and the Amir of Qatar, HH @TamimBinHamad in Doha,” the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said in a post on X.

One of the key areas of conversation was the deepening of economic ties between the two nations, as both leaders expressed a commitment to enhancing trade and investment. “The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on bolstering bilateral relations, with a focus on deepening trade & investment, energy, space, cultural & people to people ties,” Jaiswal’s post added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X, “Had a wonderful meeting with HH Sheikh @TamimBinHamad. We reviewed the full range of India-Qatar relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation across various sectors. Our nations also look forward to collaborating in futuristic sectors which will benefit our planet”. In addition to bilateral matters, the leaders exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues and Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude to Amir for the welfare of the Indian community

“They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues. PM thanked Amir for the welfare of the Indian community in Qatar,” the post concluded. The meeting was also attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

“PM @narendramodi held extensive talks with the Amir of Qatar, HH @TamimBinHamad, in Doha. The leaders deliberated on further bolstering India-Qatar ties in various sectors, including trade and commerce, energy, culture and people-to-people linkages,” said PMO India in a post on X. PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon meeting with the Amir of Qatar in Doha on the second day of his official visit to Qatar.

PM Modi arrived in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Wednesday night after inaugurating the first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi and a series of bilateral meetings with prominent leaders. Just after arriving in Doha, PM Modi met with his counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the two discussed ways to bolster ties between India and Qatar.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Had a wonderful meeting with PM @MBA_AlThani_. Our discussions revolved around ways to boost India-Qatar friendship.” Prime Minister Modi also attended a dinner hosted in his honour by the Prime Minister of Qatar.

Notably, this visit came on the heels of a major diplomatic triumph for India, in which eight veterans of the Indian Navy who were sentenced to death in Qatar on espionage charges, were released by Doha on Monday. Seven out of the eight veterans have returned to India. The eighth personnel has also been released and his return is being worked out, the MEA said. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi who arrived in Qatar’s capital Doha on Wednesday night met with his counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the duo discussed ways to bolster ties between New Delhi and Doha

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Had a wonderful meeting with PM @MBA_AlThani_. Our discussions revolved around ways to boost India-Qatar friendship.”

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, during the meeting, two leaders exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, energy, finance, and technology.

The two leaders also discussed recent regional developments in West Asia and emphasised the importance of upholding peace and stability in the region.

“Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Wednesday with Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi, who is visiting the country,” the Qatar Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two friendly countries and ways to support and develop them, especially in the fields of energy, commerce and investment,” it added.

Prime Minister Modi also attended a dinner hosted in his honour by the Prime Minister of Qatar.

“Furthering India – Qatar partnership! PM Narendra Modi held a fruitful meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, PM and FM of Qatar in Doha. Discussions covered expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade & investment, energy, finance among others,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

PM Modi who arrived in Qatar on Wednesday night after wrapping up his UAE visit was received at the airport by Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi.

PM Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community outside his hotel in Qatar. People carrying the Indian Tricolour and gifts for PM Modi chanted “Modi Modi” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

PM Modi shook hands with people who had gathered outside his hotel in Doha to welcome him. Some of the people even presented him with gifts like books. People also took pictures of PM Modi as he interacted with them.

Notably, this visit came on heels of a major diplomatic triumph for India, in which eight veterans of the Indian Navy who were sentenced to death in Qatar on espionage charges, were released by Doha on Monday.

Seven out of the eight veterans have returned to India. The eighth personnel has also been released and his return is being worked out, the MEA said.

The capital punishment was commuted to an extended prison term earlier following diplomatic intervention by New Delhi. (NDTV)

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Eight Indian Navy veterans jailed in Qatar over alleged spying charges have been released, the government said early this morning. Seven of them are already back in India after an 18-month jail stay in the Middle-East country.

“The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India. We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals,” the foreign ministry said.

The veterans did not have prior information of their release and were taken away by embassy officials shortly after they were freed, sources told NDTV. They boarded an IndiGo flight yesterday and returned after 2 am, they added.

Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal, and Sailor Ragesh were arrested in August 2022 and had been in jail since.

They were employed by a private firm, Dahra Global, and were in Qatar to assist with the introduction of Italian U212 stealth submarines into the Qatari Emiri Naval Force in their personal roles.

A Qatari court sentenced them to death on October 26, 2023. India had said it was “deeply shocked” by the verdict and that it was exploring all legal options.

The capital punishment was commuted in December, weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai. 

The Navy veterans, now back in the country, thanked PM Modi and the government for securing their release.

“We are very happy that we are back in India, safely. Definitely, we would like to thank PM Modi as this was only possible because of his personal intervention,” said one of them.

“We waited almost for 18 months to be back in India. We are extremely grateful to the PM. It wouldn’t have been possible without his personal intervention and his equation with Qatar. We are grateful to the Government of India from the bottom of our hearts for every effort that has been made and this day won’t have been possible without those efforts,” said another. (NDTV)

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Eight former Indian Navy personnel have been handed the death penalty in Qatar. 

Calling the judgement “shocking”, India’s foreign ministry said it would not comment given the “confidential nature of proceedings” but assured that it would contest the judgment.

The men, including decorated officers who once commanded major Indian warships, were working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private firm that provided training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces. Sources said some of them were working on a highly sensitive project — Italian technology-based midget submarines with stealth characteristics. Reports claim they have been accused of spying.

The men have been in jail since August 2022. Granted consular access to them, New Delhi has been working to secure their release. The men went to trial in March.

Their bail pleas were rejected numerous times and their detention was extended by Qatari authorities. Today, the Court of First Instance of Qatar passed a judgment.

Those sentenced are Capt Navtej Singh Gill, Capt Birendra Kumar Verma, Capt Saurabh Vasisht, Cdr Amit Nagpal, Cdr Purnendu Tiwari, Cdr Sugunakar Pakala, Cdr Sanjeev Gupta and Sailor Ragesh.

“We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“We attach high importance to this case, and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities,” the ministry statement read.

Meetu Bhargava, the sister of one of the former officers detained, had sought help from the government to bring her brother back.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on June 8, she had appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.

“These Ex-Navy officers are the pride of the nation & again I request our Hon’ble Prime Minister with folded hands that it is high time that they all are brought back to India immediately without any further delay,” read her post, tagged to PM Modi and Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh. (NDTV)

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