Indian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar are being positioned as “living bridges” for deeper economic cooperation, according to an embassy official who underscored their role in turning investment pledges into reality.
“There are more than 20,000 Indian-owned or Indian-managed companies. They are the real living bridges that can help turn these objectives into realities,” charge d’affaires Sandeep Kumar’s speech emphasised at the recently held India Utsav 2026 celebrations organised by LuLu Hypermarket in Al Gharrafa.
These firms, many of them embedded in Qatar’s private sector, are expected to channel the $10bn investment commitment announced by Doha into projects that align with India’s long-term growth agenda, Kumar noted.
“Qatar has indicated that it will be investing about $10bn in India. This signals significant opportunities and a positive momentum towards achieving mutual goals. To realise this investment effectively, collaboration from both sides will be essential,” Kumar emphasised.
According to Kumar, the emphasis on SMEs comes at a time when India is pursuing its “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision to become a developed economy by its centenary of independence. He pointed out that the presence of Indian companies in Qatar provides a practical mechanism to translate high level declarations into ground level business activity.
Kumar announced that India’s demographic dividend, with 65% of its population under the age of 35, and the growing participation of women in the economy, are among the nation’s drivers of resilience and innovation.
He also revealed that India’s digital infrastructure now accounts for more than half of global digital transactions, underscoring the scale of its technology adoption.
“We have developed one of the largest digital infrastructures in the world. I am very happy and proud to share that more than 50% of all global digital transactions take place in India,” Kumar explained, pointing to responsible deployment of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other emerging technologies as areas where India and Qatar can collaborate.
Kumar said, “India has embarked upon embracing new and emerging technologies. The ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’ is just one example of that.
And we have been embracing these technologies not just in words, but in spirit. Our goal now is to promote the responsible use of emerging technologies, particularly AI, blockchain, and other similar innovations.”
On Qatar’s diversification drive under its 2030 national vision, Kumar described this as closely resonant with India’s development goals. He stressed that both sides are exploring cooperation in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, logistics, food security, and infrastructure.
Kumar noted that high level visits have already elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with trade valued at around $14bn. Energy exports from Qatar dominate the basket, but both countries have agreed to double the volume by 2030, he said.
India’s exports to Qatar, worth about $1.7bn, include auto components, foodstuff, and jewellery, according to Kumar, who pointed out that diversification is essential to rebalance the trade relationship.
He also highlighted recent ministerial exchanges, including visits by India’s commerce, culture, and energy officials, as evidence of momentum in India’s longstanding partnership with Qatar.
Kumar stressed that the alignment of Qatar National Vision 2030 and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047, India's long-term national roadmap to transform the country into a fully developed, self-reliant nation, provides a framework for cooperation that extends beyond energy, creating opportunities in technology, manufacturing, and sustainability.