Ambassador of India in Qatar H.E. Dr Deepak Mittal hosted an Official Reception on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day of India at the Sheraton Hotel in Doha.

2. H.E. Mr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour was the Chief Guest at the ocassion. H.E. Mr Akbar Al Bakr was the guest of Honour along with HE Amb Ibrahim Fakhro, Director of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, and H.E. Ambassador Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, Dean of the Diplomatic Corp. A number of Qatari dignitaries, officials & businesspersons, members of diplomatic corps and Indian community attended the Official Reception.

3. In his remarks, Ambassador expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness the Father Amir, the members of the Royal family, Government of the State of Qatar and friends from Qatar for their continued commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and take care of the Indian community in Qatar. Ambassador noted that centuries old bonds of friendship between India and Qatar continue to grow from strength to strength. He remarked that the year 2023 was very special, as it marks the 50th anniversary of establishment of full diplomatic relations. Ambassador also pointed out that in 2022, the two visits of the Hon’ble Vice President of India to Qatar within a span of six months, including for attending inaugural ceremony of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have provided new momentum to bilateral relations.

4. Ambassador emphasized that India assumed the Presidency of G-20 in December 2022. The theme of India’s presidency - “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future” reflected the motto of universal brotherhood stands for promoting peace and prosperity for all in an inclusive and decisive manner. He also mentioned that the year 2023 has been declared as UN International Year of Millets and reflected upon the positive effect of consumption of millets for promoting good health and ecology.

5. Ambassador commended the contribution of the Indian community in Qatar and said that they were the living bridge between India and Qatar. Ambassador congratulated Qatar for the successful and the most memorable FIFA World Cup 2022 and congratulated thousands of Indian workers and professionals who participated in the infrastructure building& maintenance; nearly 5700 Indian volunteers who supported the successful conduct of the tournament;

6. The Reception included cultural performances by students of Indian schools in Doha and the local Indian diaspora.