Mission Qatar: Pact on sharing information on terror financing

NEW DELHI: It will not just be an investment treaty from gas-rich Qatar that will dominate PM Narendra Modi’s trip to Doha on June 4-5 as the two countries hope to conclude a pact on ‘information sharing on terror financing’ amid rising expanse of the Islamic State.

In this third visit to the Gulf region in less than one year, the PM hopes to put in place a pact to share information on terror financing, according to informed sources. India has put in place similar pacts with UAE and Saudi Arabia since last August —both these countries have emerged as effective partners handing over fugitives to India.

Qatar, it may be recalled, had tried to mediate in Afghanistan in the past by hosting an office for the Taliban. Widespread partnership with the Gulf is critical for Delhi to counter the menace in South Asia, sources explained. India and Qatar have a defence partnership ahead of similar pacts with some of the countries in West Asia.

Other pacts that can be concluded during this trip include MoUs on financial intelligence sharing, sports, skills development, health and tourism.

India is also hoping for an investment treaty with Qatar to source much needed funds to boost economy.