Business

India-Qatar Joint Business Forum Aims to Strengthen Bilateral Economic Relations

Published

1 year ago

February 19, 2025

India and Qatar are poised to enhance their economic and trade relations through the India-Qatar Joint Business Forum, set to occur on Tuesday. This event coincides with the visit of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, to India from February 17-18. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Qatari Commerce Minister Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani will also be present at the meeting, as stated in an official announcement on Monday.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in partnership with the Centre’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is organizing the joint business forum, which aims to bring together prominent business leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities, technological collaborations, and economic partnerships.

A high-ranking Qatari delegation will feature leading companies from sectors such as energy, infrastructure, finance, technology, food security, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and innovation. The forum will comprise three panel discussions: one focused on investment as a tool for building a long-term strategic partnership between India and Qatar, another on leveraging competencies in logistics, advanced manufacturing, and food security, and the final discussion on enhancing cooperation in forward-looking areas like AI, innovation, and sustainability.

These discussions will pave the way for Indian and Qatari businesses to explore joint ventures, foreign direct investment (FDI), technology partnerships, and policy-driven collaborations. Representatives from both governments and prominent industry leaders will work together to create a progressive trade and investment framework.

India and Qatar share a strong economic partnership, with bilateral trade flourishing across various sectors. Qatari investments in India encompass technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing, while Indian enterprises have established a significant foothold in Qatar.

The forum will spotlight strategic investment opportunities in alignment with initiatives like Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s infrastructure development plans. Key investment areas include logistics, warehousing, ports, airports, railways and highways, semiconductors, food security, technology and innovation, space exploration, biosciences, banking and fintech, smart cities, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. Furthermore, the India-Qatar Startup Bridge is promoting innovation-driven partnerships in AI, fintech, and deep tech to bolster bilateral economic cooperation.

As India continues to emerge as a global hub for manufacturing, technology, and entrepreneurship, this forum is an essential platform to enhance business-to-business (B2B) and government-to-business (G2B) interactions. Its goals include deepening collaboration between Indian and Qatari businesses, facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) and joint ventures, and promoting technology transfer and innovation partnerships.

The forum also aims to strengthen trade through policy reforms and strategic agreements, highlighting the shared vision of India and Qatar for sustained economic cooperation. This commitment fosters trade, investment, and innovation across critical sectors, as noted in the official statement.

Business

Overseas Loans by Indian Firms See Sharp Decline

Published

23 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : Indian companies borrowed $5.43 billion from abroad in March, according to RBI data. This was 51% lower than March last year.

Experts said the weak rupee and high global interest rates made foreign loans less attractive for companies.

In the financial year 2025-26, India Inc raised nearly $43 billion through foreign borrowings. This was down from $61 billion in the previous year.

In March 2025, borrowings had crossed $11 billion due to large deals by companies like JSW Steel and Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Companies are also avoiding overseas loans because hedging costs have become expensive during currency volatility.

The RBI reportedly discussed easing foreign borrowing rules and offering hedging support, but no final decision was taken.

Market experts said the ongoing West Asia conflict has increased uncertainty, making companies cautious about raising funds from abroad.

Business

Fuel Prices Hiked by Rs.3 per Litre across India

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country from today. Oil marketing companies revised the rates due to the rise in global crude oil prices.

After the hike, petrol price in Bengaluru has reached Rs.106.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs.94.10 per litre.

The increase comes amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, including the Iran conflict. The fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has also increased import costs.

The fuel price hike is expected to affect transportation and daily essentials. Transport charges for goods may rise, leading to higher prices of vegetables, fruits, milk, and other items. Bus, auto, and taxi fares may also increase.

Earlier, fuel prices were reduced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, the Centre had also cut excise duty to control inflation after the Covid pandemic.

Business

Gold Prices Rise in Mangaluru; Demand for Ornaments Remains Strong

Published

2 weeks ago

May 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: Gold prices in the coastal city of Mangaluru have been reported at high levels today. The rate for 24 karat gold (99.9% purity) stands at Rs.14,962 per gram. The price for 22 karat gold (91.6% purity) is Rs.13,715 per gram. Meanwhile, 18 karat gold (75% purity) is being sold at Rs.11,222 per gram.

Mangaluru is well known for its deep cultural connection with gold. The city has a long tradition of buying and wearing gold ornaments. This tradition continues strongly even today.

Local jewellers say that demand for gold remains steady despite high prices. Many people still prefer to invest in gold for safety and long-term value. Gold is also an important part of weddings and festivals in the region.

Apart from its love for seafood, Mangaluru is also famous for its gold market. The gold trade in the city has a long history and continues to grow.

Buyers are advised to check the latest rates before making a purchase. They can also use a gold rate calculator to get exact pricing based on weight and purity.

Experts say that gold prices may change depending on global market trends. Customers should stay updated and make careful decisions while buying gold.