New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will be representing India at the inauguration of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Sunday, as per an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Arindam Bagchi, the MEA's official spokesperson, posted photos of the Vice President's arrival in Doha.
Vice President Dhankhar is visiting Qatar on November 20-21 at the invitation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
"At the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, the Hon’ble Vice President of India will pay an official visit to Qatar on 20-21 November and represent India at the inauguration of the FIFA World Cup 2022," the statement read.
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During his visit, the vice president will meet with members of the Indian community as well as attend the World Cup's opening ceremony.
According to the MEA statement, the vice president's visit would be an opportunity to join a close and friendly country Qatar as it holds a major sporting event, as well as to recognise the part performed and support offered by Indians in this World Cup.
India and Qatar have close and friendly relations with a multifaceted relationship spanning trade, energy, security, defence, health, culture, and education, among other areas, according to the MEA statement.
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Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded USD 15 billion in the previous fiscal year. Qatar is an essential partner in India's energy security, and India contributes to Qatar's food security.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of India and Qatar establishing full diplomatic relations.
As per the MEA statement, people-to-people ties are a key component of the bilateral relationship, with over 840,000 Indians living in Qatar.