Jaishankar meets Kuwait Crown Prince, reviews Gulf developments
Synopsis
India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar is on a six-nation Gulf and Western tour, and his Kuwait stop — a meeting with Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah — signals New Delhi's intent to deepen ties with one of the Gulf's most strategically significant partners. Combined with high-level Bahrain engagements and upcoming stops in Oman, the US, and Brussels, this is one of the most intensive diplomatic sprints by an Indian EAM in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar met Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah on 8 July 2025 in Kuwait City.
The meeting covered bilateral ties and developments across the Gulf region ; Jaishankar conveyed greetings from PM Narendra Modi .
Kuwait is the third leg of Jaishankar's six-nation tour ; he arrived on Tuesday and was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Suleiman Mashaan Al-Mashaan .
In Bahrain , Jaishankar met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa , Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa , and Deputy PM Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa , conveying greetings from President Droupadi Murmu .
Jaishankar is next scheduled to visit Oman , the United States , and Brussels .
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday, 8 July called on Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah in Kuwait City, with the two sides reviewing bilateral ties and exchanging perspectives on evolving developments across the Gulf region. The meeting forms part of Jaishankar's ongoing six-nation tour aimed at deepening India's partnerships in the Middle East and beyond.
Key Developments from the Kuwait Meeting
During the engagement, Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Crown Prince. He also lauded Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah's commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Posting on X after the meeting, Jaishankar said: 'Privileged to call on Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah of Kuwait this morning. Conveyed warm greetings from PM Narendra Modi. Deeply appreciate his commitment to take forward our bilateral cooperation. Thank him for his sharing of perspectives on developments in the Gulf.'
Jaishankar had arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday, marking the third leg of his six-nation diplomatic tour. He was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Suleiman Mashaan Al-Mashaan, for whose warm reception he expressed appreciation on X.
Bahrain Engagements: King and Deputy PM
Prior to Kuwait, Jaishankar conducted a series of high-level meetings in Bahrain. On Monday, he was received in audience by Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and also met Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He conveyed personal greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, and thanked the King for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain.
On Tuesday, he met Bahrain's Deputy Prime Minister Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, with discussions centred on strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors and an exchange of views on the regional situation.
Indian Community in Bahrain
Jaishankar also interacted with members of the Indian community in Bahrain, acknowledging their contributions to Bahraini society and their role as a bridge between the two countries. He noted that he listened to their experiences and suggestions for deepening the India-Bahrain partnership.
What Comes Next
Having concluded his engagements in Kuwait, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Oman, followed by visits to the United States and Brussels, rounding out the remaining legs of his six-nation tour. This diplomatic sweep through the Gulf underscores India's sustained effort to strengthen ties with energy-rich neighbours and key partners in a strategically sensitive region.
Point of View
Combined with the onward stops in Oman, the US, and Brussels, suggest a coordinated diplomatic offensive rather than a series of courtesy calls. What is notably absent from the public readouts is any granular detail on what 'Gulf developments' were actually discussed — a deliberate ambiguity that leaves room for New Delhi to engage all sides in a region where tensions remain live.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did EAM Jaishankar meet in Kuwait on 8 July 2025?
Jaishankar met Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah on 8 July 2025. The two sides reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on developments in the Gulf region.
What is the purpose of Jaishankar's six-nation tour?
The tour is aimed at deepening India's bilateral partnerships across the Gulf and beyond. Kuwait is the third leg; Jaishankar had previously visited Bahrain and is scheduled to travel to Oman, the United States, and Brussels.
What did Jaishankar discuss during his Bahrain engagements?
In Bahrain, Jaishankar met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and PM Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Deputy PM Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Discussions covered bilateral cooperation across sectors, the regional situation, and the welfare of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain.
Which countries will Jaishankar visit after Kuwait?
After concluding his Kuwait engagements, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Oman, followed by the United States and Brussels, completing his six-nation diplomatic tour.
Why is India's engagement with Gulf nations significant?
The Gulf region is a critical partner for India, supplying a large share of its energy needs and hosting millions of Indian diaspora workers. High-level diplomatic engagement helps secure community welfare assurances and deepen economic and strategic ties.
