Modi seeks Qatar's aid in rescuing 39 Indians held hostage by IS

India on Wednesday sought Qatar’s help in rescuing 39 Indians held hostage by Islamic militant outfit Islamic State as the two countries discussed enhanced cooperation in key areas of defence, security and trade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Emir of Qatar Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani held extensive talks covering entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues after which the two sides signed six agreements.

Apart from seeking help from Qatar, one of India’s interlocutors in Iraq, in ensuring safety of Indians in that region, the Indian side also discussed situation of the Indian hostages, sources said. The 39 Indians were kidnapped by IS from Mosul town in war-ravaged Iraq.

Briefing reporters, spokesperson in the external affairs ministry Syed Akbaruddin said Thani told Modi that he trusts the Indian economy and his vision for development of the country.

Thani also conveyed that it was time for Qatar to look seriously to enhance investment in India and noted that a mechanism to identify potential projects in India will be set up soon, the spokesperson said.

The Indian side told the Qatari Emir that the country can look for investing in ongoing projects in sectors like defence, railways and highways as return on government-run projects will be secure.

The spokesperson said the PM also outlined his vision of Make in India for defence and conveyed to the visiting dignitary that India was serious in enhancing defence production which will enable it to provide equipment to its partners.

Modi also talked about interests of Indian companies to expand their involvement in various infrastructure projects as the Gulf nation was hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Both the leaders also discussed about having an institutional mechanism for providing opportunities to Indian companies in projects relating to hosting of the sports extravaganza.

After the talks between the two leaders, both sides signed six agreements including one on transfer of sentenced prisoners and another to facilitate business opportunities for Indian IT industry in Qatar.

Both Modi and Thani discussed a range of issues including enhancing cooperation in energy sector and boosting trade and investment. 

Qatar is an important country for India in the Gulf region. It supplies 86 per cent of India's Liquified Natural Gas.

Under the provision of the pact on transfer of sentenced persons, Indian prisoners convicted in Qatar can be brought to India to serve the remaining part of their sentence. Similarly Qatari citizens convicted in India can be sent to their home country to serve jail term. According to official figures, 96 Indians are currently languishing in various jails in Qatar which is home to around 600,000 Indians.