Question : INDO -QATAR TIES

(a) whether the Emir of Qatar recently visited India and held discussions with various leaders;

(b) if so, the details of discussions held during the said visit and outcome thereof;

(c) the details of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed during the occasion along with the areas identified for further co-operation between the two countries;

(d) whether India has sought Qatar’s help in rescuing Indians held hostage by Islamic militant outfit, ISIS; and

(e) if so, the reaction of the Qatar Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) Yes, the Emir of Qatar paid a State Visit to India from 24-25 March 2015 and held discussions with our leaders.

(b) During the visit, discussions were held on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.

(c) The agreements/MoUs signed during the visit included:-
1. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the State of Qatar on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
2. MoU between the Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.
3. MoU between Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Government of India and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology of the State of Qatar for Cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology.
4. MoU for Scientific and Technical cooperation between Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Transport, State of Qatar and Earth System Science Organisation, Ministry of Earth sciences, Government of India.
5. MoU for Cooperation in the field of Radio and Television between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Republic of India.
6. Agreement for Mutual Cooperation and Exchange of News between Qatar News Agency and United News of India.
The two sides discussed ways and means to enhance bilateral cooperation in the areas of energy, power, petrochemicals, investments, infrastructure, development, project exports, education, culture, health, human resource, media and information technology.

(d) & (e) Yes, India has sought assistance of countries in the region, including Qatar for rescuing Indian nationals held hostage by the ISIS. The Qatari side has assured all possible assistance in this regard.