Amid disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis, India and Qatar have held discussions on ways to boost bilateral trade and strengthen supply chain resilience. Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $14 billion in 2024-25, and both sides aim to double this figure by 2030. They are also exploring the possibility of negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, where they discussed ways to further enhance trade and investment ties while strengthening supply chain resilience. Goyal stated that both sides are looking forward to deepening their strategic partnership in the years ahead.

Goyal also recently held discussions with trade ministers from other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait. India is currently in the process of negotiating a free trade agreement with the GCC.

Meanwhile, the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran have led to severe disruptions in the movement of cargo ships in international waters, particularly affecting routes to West Asian nations. The conflict has created significant challenges for exporters shipping goods to the Gulf region, with which India recorded bilateral trade of $178 billion in 2024-25 ($56.87 billion in exports and $121.67 billion in imports).