New Delhi

Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to remain a reliable energy supplier to India, with Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi conveying the assurance during talks with Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in Doha amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Puri, who was on a two-day visit to Qatar from April 9 to 10, also conveyed a message of solidarity from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Qatar’s leadership following the outbreak of conflict in the region.

Both sides welcomed the recently announced two-week ceasefire and stressed the need for restoring stability in global energy markets. They highlighted the importance of ensuring uninterrupted supply chains, including freedom of navigation and smooth global trade flows.

India, heavily dependent on energy imports, sources a significant share of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Qatar, which remains its largest supplier. The discussions come at a time when disruptions in West Asia have impacted global fuel trade and raised concerns over supply security.

The conflict, which intensified following US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year, has affected energy infrastructure across the Gulf region. Notably, a major LNG export facility in Qatar was struck during the escalation, leading to a temporary shutdown and declaration of force majeure on gas exports, including supplies to India.

During the visit, Puri met Al-Kaabi, who also serves as President and CEO of QatarEnergy. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties spanning energy cooperation, trade, investment, and people-to-people engagement.

Puri also conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Modi to Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, acknowledging Qatar’s support for the Indian community during the ongoing crisis.

The Indian minister recalled recent telephonic conversations between Modi and the Qatari leadership, during which both sides emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace in the region.

Both countries expressed hope for an early return to stability and agreed to deepen their strategic partnership, particularly in the energy sector. Al-Kaabi reiterated Qatar’s commitment to maintaining reliable energy supplies and strengthening long-term cooperation with India.

READ MORE: Rajasthan: Gaurakshaks silence hatemonger with assertion of Hindu-Muslim unity

Puri thanked the Qatari leadership for hosting him and said both sides would remain in close contact in the coming weeks to address evolving energy challenges.