India, Feb. 19 -- India and Qatar's announcement about forging a strategic partnership to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, and security marked the resetting of relations after a bumpy stretch due to the detention of eight Indian Navy veterans by the West Asian country two years ago. That matter has now been resolved and Qatar's pledge to invest $10 billion in India, as well as a target to double trade to $28 billion in five years, lay the foundation for both diversifying trade and deepening economic cooperation.

Qatar, though a small country, punches above its weight in West Asia and has become a pivotal part in influencing power relations in the region. It has sought to have a greater say in shaping regional developments, as reflec...