Title: PM Modi Breaks Protocol to Welcome Emir of Qatar – Here’s Why It Matters Today, we’re diving into a topic that has been making major headlines globally. PM Narendra Modi recently broke protocol to personally welcome the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the airport. This move has sparked curiosity and admiration across the globe—so what exactly happened, and why is it so significant? Let’s find out.
PM Modi’s Grand Welcome for the Emir of Qatar
When Sheikh Tamim landed in India, it wasn’t a foreign ministry official or a protocol officer who received him—it was PM Modi himself. In a rare gesture, the Indian Prime Minister tweeted, “I went to the airport myself to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.” The images of their warm embrace and high-level welcome flooded the media.
This isn’t something that happens every day. In fact, PM Modi breaking protocol is extremely rare. In diplomatic practice, visiting dignitaries are usually received by senior ministers or foreign ministry officials. For a sitting Prime Minister to go personally to the airport sends a very strong message—it’s a symbol of deep respect and strategic importance.
When Has PM Modi Broken Protocol Before?
PM Modi has broken protocol only a handful of times in the past:
- 2015 – President Barack Obama was personally received at the airport when he visited India as Chief Guest for Republic Day.
- 2018 – French President Emmanuel Macron was welcomed by PM Modi amid crucial Rafale deal negotiations.
- 2020 – President Donald Trump received a grand welcome during his state visit to India, and PM Modi himself was present at the airport.
Interestingly, when President Joe Biden visited India in 2023 for the G20 Summit, he was not received by PM Modi, suggesting a more formal and less personal approach.
But Why Such Importance for Qatar?
At first glance, Qatar might appear to be a small Middle Eastern country. But its strategic and economic importance to India is massive:
1. LNG Supply Partnership
Qatar is India’s largest supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), accounting for 48% of India’s total LNG imports. Recently, India signed a 20-year deal with Qatar for uninterrupted LNG supply at fixed low rates starting in 2028. This deal is expected to save India a staggering $6 billion—money that could otherwise be spent on defense, infrastructure, or other national priorities.
2. Sovereign Wealth Fund Investments
Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund has invested billions in Indian companies like Adani Green, Adani Transmission, and Reliance Industries. Going forward, even more investments are expected in key sectors including renewable energy and infrastructure.
3. Diplomatic Support in Sensitive Issues
Recently, eight former Indian Navy officers were jailed in Qatar. Their release came after diplomatic efforts, highlighting Qatar’s willingness to respect India’s sensitivities. This was seen as a gesture of goodwill and mutual trust between the two nations.
Global Leaders Who Reciprocated
It’s not just India. Even other world leaders have shown similar respect to PM Modi. For example:
- French President Macron personally came to the airport to see PM Modi off during his France visit.
- Macron waited until PM Modi boarded his aircraft, emphasizing the strong bond between India and France.
These gestures matter in diplomacy—they symbolize more than courtesy; they indicate deep, strategic trust.
Final Thought: Qatar – A Small Country, A Big Friend
Whether it’s about saving billions in energy costs, securing future gas supplies, gaining long-term foreign investment, or finding diplomatic allies during critical moments—Qatar has proved to be a crucial partner for India.
That’s why the Emir of Qatar deserved nothing less than a grand welcome from India’s highest office.
Quick Question for You
Which country has recently committed to achieving $500 billion in bilateral trade with India by 2030?
A) United States
B) China
C) Japan
D) Qatar
Let us know your answer in the comments! We’ll highlight the correct answers so that everyone can learn together.