India Participates in 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit in Qatar, Led by Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh

Doha: Minister of State (MOS) for External Affairs, Mr. Kirti Vardhan Singh, represented India at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit, held in Doha, Qatar, from October 1-3, 2024. During the visit, he also took part in the 2nd ACD Business Forum and held important bilateral meetings.

In his address at the ACD Summit on October 3, MOS Singh praised the ACD platform for fostering regional cooperation and dialogue. He reaffirmed India's support for the six pillars of the ACD's work programs and expressed appreciation for the Summit’s theme of “Sports Diplomacy,” highlighting the role of sports in strengthening ties between nations. MOS Singh shared India’s perspectives on key areas such as digital public infrastructure, education and skill development, renewable energy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in West Asia, urging for restraint and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

During the ACD Business Forum, MOS Singh underscored India’s rapid economic growth and its appeal as a destination for foreign investment. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and commerce partnerships among ACD member countries.

On the sidelines of the Summit, MOS Singh met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, HE Soltan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, where both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation between India and Qatar, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. He also met with the ACD Secretary General, HE Ambassador Nasser Thamer Al Mutairi, congratulating him on his new role and reaffirming India's commitment to advancing the ACD’s cooperative agenda, particularly in science and technology, artificial intelligence, investments, and culture.

As part of his official visit, MOS Singh paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 155th birth anniversary at a ceremony held at the Indian Embassy on October 2. He also planted a Neem sapling as part of the "Ek Ped Maa ke Naam" initiative. In addition, he attended a luncheon hosted by the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC), where he encouraged members to further enhance bilateral economic relations. On October 3, he addressed a large gathering of the Indian community in Qatar, acknowledging their significant contributions to the strengthening of India-Qatar relations.

Qatar’s warm hospitality and the productive discussions reaffirmed the strong and growing ties between India and Qatar, further advancing their partnership across various sectors.