India and Qatar will soon finalise the framework to launch negotiations for a free trade agreement, with a deal expected to be concluded by mid or third quarter of 2026, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed on Monday. Goyal is currently in Doha for a two-day visit, leading a business delegation aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two nations. Advertisement

"I would think that sometime by the middle of next year, or third quarter of next year, we will be able to finalise an FTA (free trade agreement), if not earlier," Goyal told reporters during the visit.

Qatar, a key trading partner of India within the Gulf Cooperation Council, recorded over $14.15 billion in bilateral trade with India during 2024–25. India already holds a trade pact with the United Arab

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