Union Minister Piyush Goyal recently addressed an Indian community event in Doha, where he appreciated the invaluable contribution of the Indian diaspora in advancing India-Qatar bilateral relations. Speaking at the event, he highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant and prosperous India, describing it as a cornerstone in the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Goyal also urged the Indian community in Qatar to explore new avenues for deeper collaboration and to further strengthen business and cultural ties between the two nations.
### Proposal for an Integrated Indian Community Database in Qatar
At the event, Union Minister Goyal suggested that Indians living in Qatar create an integrated database to facilitate connection among the diaspora. He emphasized the importance of this effort by stating, “There’s no integrated database of all the people who live in Qatar having roots back home in India. I’m suggesting this not out of any compulsion or desire to showcase the strength of the Indian community, but from the point of view that in good or bad times, it’s always beneficial to be able to connect.”
He further highlighted that this initiative could help connect every Indian to at least one Indian association. “While the embassy may not engage in such activities, to avoid any misunderstanding, we could consider launching an initiative since we have over a hundred associations working in different parts of Qatar,” he said, as reported by news agency ANI.
Goyal urged the community: “Let us make an effort to reach out to our brothers and sisters and ensure that every person who has come to Qatar to serve the nation, representing India, is a member of at least one association. We can easily create a simple online registration with basic information, no confidential information, no intrusion on privacy, and no misuse of any data, but just the ability to connect.”
### Activities in Doha and FTA Discussions
During his visit to Doha, Piyush Goyal also participated in symbolic activities in support of national initiatives. He planted a sapling at the Indian Embassy as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s *Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam* campaign and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.
In addition, Goyal held meetings with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, to review the planned India-Qatar Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The discussions emphasized expediting the finalization of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Both sides evaluated bilateral trade performance, addressed existing trade impediments, and explored ways to improve trade and investment flows, according to ANI.
This visit and the proposed initiatives mark a significant step towards strengthening the ties between India and Qatar, as well as enhancing the welfare of the Indian diaspora in the region.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/piyush-goyal-urges-indians-in-qatar-to-strengthen-ties-and-support-india-qatar-trade-23597571