6 lakh Indians work in the Gulf state

India on Saturday discussed with Qatar the welfare of its citizens in the wake of its lingering disputes with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain.

In wide-ranging talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, the two sides also discussed ways to deepen co-operation in energy, trade and investment.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said bilateral issues, including welfare of the more than six lakh workers, were discussed.

Official sources said expanding co-operation in energy, trade and investment were also discussed.

In June, the four Arab nations had announced cutting diplomatic ties and closing all connectivity links with Qatar, alleging that it supported terrorism.

Qatar had rejected the charges.

Pushing for dialogue

India had asked countries in the region to resolve the crisis through constructive dialogue and well-established international principles of mutual respect.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani visited New Delhi in December during which India had expressed keenness in investing in hydrocarbon projects in the Gulf nation.