Qatar's Energy Minister Assures India of Continued Energy Supply Amid Global Tensions

Strengthening Energy Ties Between Qatar and India

New Delhi: During discussions in Doha, Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi assured that Qatar will continue to be a dependable energy provider for India. This statement was made in a meeting with Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, where both parties emphasized the necessity for stability in global energy markets amidst ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Puri's visit to Qatar on April 9-10 included delivering a message of solidarity from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Qatar's leadership, particularly in light of the recent conflicts in the region, as stated by the Indian government.

Both officials expressed their support for the two-week ceasefire declared on April 8 and highlighted the urgency of resolving disruptions in global energy supplies.

They also underscored the critical need for 'unimpeded freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce' to ensure the stability of supply chains.

This visit is particularly significant as India aims to secure its energy supplies amid rising geopolitical tensions that have affected global fuel trade. Qatar is a key supplier for India, providing 45% of its LNG and 20% of its LPG.

Following the US and Israel's attacks on Iran on February 28, Iran retaliated against Gulf nations hosting US troops, impacting Qatar's major LNG export facility and leading to a halt in production and a declaration of force majeure on gas exports, including those to India.

India relies heavily on imports for about half of its natural gas and two-thirds of its LPG, which is essential for household cooking, with most supplies coming from West Asia.

The ongoing six-week conflict has severely restricted energy exports from Gulf countries, resulting in industrial supply shortages and rising prices in India.

During Puri's visit, discussions likely revolved around restoring energy shipments, reviewing existing agreements, and enhancing bilateral energy cooperation.

Puri arrived in Doha on the afternoon of April 9 and met with Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar's Minister of State for Energy Affairs, later that evening.

He conveyed greetings and a message of support from Prime Minister Modi to Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Puri recalled the two phone calls between PM Modi and the Amir in March 2026, where both leaders stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region. Modi expressed gratitude for Qatar's support to the Indian community.

The ministers discussed various aspects of the strategic partnership between the two nations, including high-level engagements, trade, investment, energy, culture, and people-to-people relations.

They expressed hope for a swift return to peace and stability in the region and the strengthening of India-Qatar relations.

Al-Kaabi reiterated Qatar's commitment to being a reliable energy supplier and looked forward to enhancing energy cooperation with India.

Both ministers welcomed the ceasefire agreed upon on April 8 and emphasized the need to restore normalcy in global energy supplies. They highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce.

Puri expressed gratitude to Al-Kaabi for his hospitality and both agreed to maintain regular communication in the upcoming weeks.

Puri shared images from his meeting on social media, stating, 'Very happy to meet Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs, and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, H.E. Mr Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi in Doha during my two-day visit to Qatar.'