External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Oman on July 10, 2026, as part of a multi-nation tour encompassing Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. He was received by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maskari, Director General of the Omani Foreign Ministry.
Warm Reception in Muscat
In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the warm reception, stating, "Glad to arrive in Oman today. Appreciate the warm reception by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maskari, Director General, Foreign Ministry of Oman." The visit aims to bolster bilateral relations and exchange views on regional developments and mutual interests.
Focus on Bilateral Cooperation
During his official visit from July 5 to 10, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet counterparts and leadership in each country. The tour underscores India's commitment to deepening ties in the Gulf region, with discussions likely covering energy, trade, investments, defense, technology, and food security.
Prior Stop in Kuwait
Before Oman, Jaishankar visited Kuwait on July 9, where he held talks with Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. They discussed the impact of the Gulf conflict on the region and beyond, and reviewed bilateral cooperation across key sectors. Jaishankar expressed confidence that the India-Kuwait Strategic Partnership would continue to strengthen.
In a post on X, he said, "A pleasure to meet FM Kuwait Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Discussed the impact of Gulf conflict on the region and beyond. Conveyed appreciation for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community." He added, "We jointly assessed our cooperation focusing on energy, trade, investments, defence, technology, food security and health domains. Confident that our Strategic Partnership will continue to strengthen in the times to come."
Meeting with Kuwait's Crown Prince
Jaishankar also called on Kuwait's Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, conveying greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In another post, he noted, "Privileged to call on Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah of Kuwait this morning. Conveyed warm greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Deeply appreciate his commitment to taking forward our bilateral cooperation. Thank him for his sharing of perspectives on developments in the Gulf."
Strategic Importance of the Tour
The multi-nation tour highlights India's proactive diplomacy in the Gulf region, which is home to a large Indian diaspora and critical for energy security. The discussions on the Gulf conflict reflect India's concern for stability in the region, which directly impacts global energy prices and trade routes. Jaishankar's engagements aim to strengthen economic partnerships and ensure the welfare of Indian communities abroad.
