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Sandeep Kumar, Chargé d’Affaires at the Indian Embassy in Qatar, described the bilateral relationship as entering a high-tech phase in which both countries aim to harness emerging technologies and startup mobility for economic diversification. He noted that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 resonates closely with Qatar National Vision 2030, directing cooperation toward the responsible application of artificial intelligence, blockchain and related innovations. Numerous avenues exist for joint initiatives in digital public infrastructure and private-sector innovation, Kumar added, shifting focus from traditional energy and trade links. Data from the Indian Embassy in Qatar places bilateral trade at $13.91 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, with exports from India reaching $1.62 billion during the period.
Platform engagements have created direct channels for startup exchange, according to Kumar, who pointed to India’s involvement in three successive editions of Web Summit Qatar. A report by global consulting firm Silverlode found that the 2025 edition generated more than €185 million in economic returns for the host country while attracting thousands of participants. The summit, the first of its kind in the Mena region, enabled Indian firms to connect with regional investors through a dedicated country pavilion that showcased products and services. Kumar said the embassy facilitated participation and arranged meetings with Qatari counterparts for multiple Indian companies.
Ministerial-level contacts have reinforced these institutional ties, with India’s Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw meeting his Qatari counterpart during the inaugural summit. Kumar explained that the embassy has linked visiting Indian delegations to bodies including the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Qatar Science and Technology Park and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council. These connections support broader collaboration on research and technology infrastructure that aligns with both nations’ diversification goals.
The India-Qatar Startup Bridge, launched by former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu at the India-Qatar Business Forum in Doha on June 5, 2022, continues to serve as an active mechanism for scaling operations across borders. A February 2025 joint statement from the two governments noted that the bridge is fostering innovation-driven partnerships in artificial intelligence, fintech and deep technology. According to Startup India, the initiative promotes joint programs, knowledge sharing and cross-border funding to strengthen the respective startup ecosystems. Kumar stated that such frameworks open pathways for corporate and entrepreneurial growth in both directions.
Underpinning the technological push is India’s robust digital infrastructure and favorable demographics, with government figures showing the country accounting for nearly 49 percent of global real-time digital payment transaction volume. Roughly 65 percent of India’s population is below the age of 35, a youth dividend that Kumar said accelerates advances in deep-tech sectors. He cited space startup Agnikul Cosmos, whose team with an average age of 28 developed and launched the Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket featuring the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed engine. The example illustrates how young talent can deliver breakthroughs with potential applications in advanced manufacturing and logistics.
Kumar reiterated that Qatar and India can collaborate strongly across advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, emerging technology, semiconductor production, logistics, food security and infrastructure development. Both sides must focus on improving technology environments while adapting new tools responsibly, he added. A recent assessment from the Qatar startup ecosystem tracker StartupBlink reported 43.5 percent growth in the country’s startup sector in 2026, indicating rising momentum that complements Indian capabilities in these shared priority areas.
