Key Points
- Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest businessman and Reliance Industries chairman, attended a state dinner in Doha hosted by Qatar’s Emir for US President Donald Trump.
- The event, held at Lusail Palace, brought together global business and political leaders including Elon Musk and top US executives.
- Reliance Industries has deep business ties with both Qatar (notably via Qatar Investment Authority’s $1 billion investment in Reliance Retail) and major US tech firms like Google and Meta.
- No formal business talks were scheduled at the dinner, but the gathering highlights Reliance’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international relationships.
- Trump’s Middle East tour has seen record-breaking deals, with Qatar pledging major investments in India and the US closing massive arms and aviation deals in the region.
New Delhi: Asia’s wealthiest businessman, Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, attended a high-profile state dinner in Doha on Wednesday, hosted by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in honor of US President Donald Trump. The event at Lusail Palace was a centerpiece of Trump’s ongoing Middle East tour, bringing together influential leaders from business and government.
Strengthening Global Ties: Reliance’s Expanding International Network
Ambani’s presence at the dinner underscores Reliance’s strategic push to deepen ties with key global powers. Reliance enjoys robust partnerships with major American technology firms, including Google and Meta, and has attracted significant investments from Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). QIA recently invested $1 billion in Reliance Retail, acquiring a minority stake and signaling strong confidence in India’s retail sector and Reliance’s growth trajectory.
No Business Talks, But Networking at the Highest Level
While Ambani was not expected to engage in formal business or investment discussions during the dinner, the event provided a rare opportunity for high-level networking. Other notable guests included Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who arrived late but joined the gathering, as well as US Secretary of Commerce Steve Lutnick, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, and Newsmax founder Chris Ruddy. A prominent London-based Indian-origin businessman with ties to both Trump and Qatar was also present, though not publicly identified.
Ambani’s detailed itinerary remains undisclosed, but his participation reflects Reliance’s ongoing efforts to maintain and expand relationships with influential leaders in both the US and the Gulf region.
Trump’s Middle East Tour: Record Deals and India-Qatar Investment Surge
President Trump’s visit to Qatar follows his earlier stop in Saudi Arabia, where the US signed a record $142 billion arms deal. In Qatar, Trump has promoted commercial ties, including a landmark $200 billion Boeing aircraft deal and urged Qatar to use its influence in regional diplomacy. After Qatar, Trump’s tour continues to the UAE, focusing on further investment opportunities.
The state dinner comes on the heels of Qatar’s Emir pledging $10 billion in investments across Indian sectors during his February visit to India, reinforcing the Gulf nation’s growing economic partnership with India and Reliance Industries.
Reliance’s International Footprint: US and Qatar Connections
- Qatar Investment Authority: Holds a $1 billion stake in Reliance Retail, part of a broader $10 billion commitment to India.
- US Tech Giants: Google and Meta are major investors in Reliance’s digital ventures, collaborating on AI and data center projects in India.
- Oil and Energy: Reliance’s global energy business is closely tied to US policy, with past waivers on Venezuelan crude and ongoing exports to the American market.
Mukesh Ambani’s attendance at the state dinner in Doha highlights Reliance Industries’ growing influence on the world stage and its commitment to fostering strategic alliances with both the US and Qatar. As Trump’s Middle East tour yields historic business deals and Qatar strengthens its investment in India, the event signals a new era of international collaboration for Reliance and the broader Indian business community.
