Rare gesture: PM Narendra Modi breaks protocol to welcome Qatar Amir at airport 

PM Narendra Modi breaks protocol to welcome Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at airport
PM Narendra Modi breaks protocol to welcome Qatar Amir at airport. Photo Courtesy: PIB

Breaking protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday to receive the Amir (Head) of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, upon his arrival in India.

In a post on X, PM Modi said: “Went to the airport to welcome my brother, Amir of Qatar H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Wishing him a fruitful stay in India and looking forward to our meeting tomorrow.”

The Amir of Qatar is on a two-day visit to India at the invitation of PM Modi.

Both leaders shared a warm hug as they met each other.

The Amir is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, and a business delegation.

A statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs earlier said Amir will hold discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honour.

“HH the Amir will hold talks with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi covering various aspects of the bilateral relations,” the statement said.

India Qatar relationship

MEA said India and Qatar have deep-rooted historical ties of friendship, trust and mutual respect.

In recent years, the ties between the two countries including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, technology, culture and people-to-people ties have continued to strengthen.

The Indian community residing in Qatar forms the largest expatriate community of Qatar, and is appreciated for its positive contribution in the progress and development of Qatar.

“The visit of the Amir will provide further momentum to our growing multifaceted partnership,” MEA said.