External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Kuwait's Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Kuwait City, holding discussions on further expanding bilateral ties. The meeting is part of Jaishankar's multi-nation tour covering Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United States, and Belgium.
Warm Greetings and Regional Insights
Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Crown Prince. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Privileged to call on Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah of Kuwait this morning. Conveyed warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Deeply appreciate his commitment to take forward our bilateral cooperation. Thank him for his sharing of perspectives on developments in the Gulf."
Reception and Previous Stops
Upon arrival in Kuwait, Jaishankar was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Suleiman Mashaan Al-Mashaan. Before Kuwait, he visited Bahrain, where he reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening the longstanding partnership with the Gulf nation.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar had an audience with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in the presence of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He also called on Deputy Prime Minister Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. During these meetings, Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and thanked the Bahraini leadership for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Bahrain.
Bilateral Talks and UN Security Council
Jaishankar held bilateral talks with Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. The two sides reviewed bilateral ties, discussed ways to expand cooperation across diverse sectors, and exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. Jaishankar also congratulated Bahrain on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-27 term.
Indian Community Engagement
During his Bahrain visit, Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian community, appreciating their contribution to Bahrain's economic development and their role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Earlier Visit to Qatar
Before Bahrain, Jaishankar concluded his visit to Qatar, where he held extensive bilateral discussions with Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The talks focused on enhancing cooperation in energy security, trade, and strategic investments, while reaffirming the strong people-to-people ties between India and Qatar.
