EAM Jaishankar arrives in Kuwait on six-nation Gulf tour
Synopsis
EAM Jaishankar's six-nation tour is more than a courtesy round — it is India's most intensive Gulf diplomatic push in recent memory. With stops spanning Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, the US, and Brussels, the visit signals that New Delhi is actively managing its relationships across energy partners, diaspora hubs, and Western allies simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar arrived in Kuwait on 7 July , the third stop of his six-nation diplomatic tour .
He was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Suleiman Mashaan Al-Mashaan in Kuwait.
In Bahrain , he met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and conveyed greetings from President Murmu and PM Modi .
He also held talks with Bahrain's Deputy PM Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa on bilateral cooperation and regional issues.
Jaishankar interacted with the Indian diaspora in Bahrain , calling them a 'living bridge' between the two nations.
Remaining stops include Oman , the United States , and Brussels .
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday, 7 July, marking the third stop of his ongoing six-nation diplomatic tour of the Gulf and beyond. He was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Suleiman Mashaan Al-Mashaan, and expressed that he looked forward to his engagements in the Arab nation.
Kuwait Arrival and Reception
Jaishankar thanked the Kuwaiti deputy foreign minister for the warm welcome upon his arrival. The visit is part of a broader outreach to strengthen India's ties with Gulf nations, a region that hosts one of the world's largest concentrations of the Indian diaspora and is a critical partner in India's energy security.
Bahrain Engagements Before Kuwait
Before landing in Kuwait, Jaishankar concluded a substantive set of meetings in Bahrain. On Monday, he called on Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, conveying personal greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed gratitude to the King for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Bahrain.
He also met Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during the royal audience, describing the King's continued guidance as deeply valued for advancing the India-Bahrain partnership.
Earlier on Tuesday, before departing for Kuwait, Jaishankar met Bahrain's Deputy Prime Minister Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors and exchanged views on the regional situation.
Outreach to the Indian Diaspora
Jaishankar also interacted with members of the Indian community in Bahrain, listening to their experiences and suggestions for deepening bilateral ties. He described the diaspora as having made deep contributions to Bahraini society and as serving as a 'living bridge' between the two nations — a framing consistent with India's broader diplomatic emphasis on leveraging its overseas community as a strategic asset.
What Comes Next
Having already covered Qatar and Bahrain, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel next to Oman, followed by the United States and Brussels, completing his six-nation itinerary. The tour reflects India's sustained diplomatic engagement with Gulf partners amid evolving regional dynamics, including tensions in West Asia and ongoing energy market shifts.
Point of View
Washington, and Brussels in one itinerary — is a calibrated signal that India is not choosing sides so much as deepening every lane simultaneously. The Gulf leg matters for energy security and diaspora welfare; the US and Brussels legs carry strategic and trade weight. What mainstream coverage underplays is the diaspora diplomacy dimension: by meeting Indian communities in Bahrain and framing them as a 'living bridge', Jaishankar is operationalising soft power in a region where over eight million Indians live and work. Whether these engagements translate into concrete bilateral deliverables — investment commitments, labour protections, or energy deals — will be the real measure of this tour.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is EAM Jaishankar visiting Kuwait?
Jaishankar arrived in Kuwait on 7 July as the third stop of his six-nation official tour, aimed at strengthening India's diplomatic and bilateral ties with Gulf nations and key Western partners. He was received by Kuwait's Deputy Foreign Minister and is expected to hold formal engagements during his stay.
Which countries are covered in Jaishankar's six-nation tour?
The tour covers Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United States, and Brussels. Jaishankar has already completed his engagements in Qatar and Bahrain before arriving in Kuwait on 7 July.
What did Jaishankar discuss during his Bahrain visit?
In Bahrain, Jaishankar met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Deputy Prime Minister Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Discussions covered bilateral cooperation across various sectors, regional developments, and the welfare of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain.
What is the significance of the Indian diaspora in Jaishankar's Gulf visits?
The Indian diaspora in the Gulf is one of the largest in the world and a key source of remittances to India. Jaishankar met community members in Bahrain, describing them as a 'living bridge' between India and the host nation — reflecting India's diplomatic strategy of leveraging its overseas community to deepen bilateral ties.
What are Jaishankar's next stops after Kuwait?
After concluding his engagements in Kuwait, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Oman, followed by the United States and Brussels, completing the six-nation tour.
