External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday, 8 July held a series of high-level meetings in Kuwait City, calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah of Kuwait and his counterparts across defence and foreign affairs, as part of efforts to deepen the India-Kuwait Strategic Partnership. The visit forms the third leg of Jaishankar's six-nation Gulf tour aimed at strengthening bilateral partnerships across energy, trade, defence, and technology.

Meetings with Kuwait's Top Leadership

Jaishankar's Wednesday schedule opened with a call on Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, during which the two sides reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional developments in the Gulf. In a post on X following the meeting, Jaishankar wrote: '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.'

The EAM subsequently called on Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, thanking him for his support for the welfare of the Indian community in Kuwait and welcoming his vision for stronger and mutually beneficial India-Kuwait cooperation.

Foreign and Defence Ministers: Key Agenda Items

Jaishankar also held a bilateral meeting with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, covering a broad agenda. 'Discussed the impact of Gulf conflict on the region and beyond. Conveyed appreciation for ensuring the well-being of Indian community. 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 times to come,' Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.

Issues of defence industry cooperation and maritime security dominated Jaishankar's separate meeting with Kuwait's Defence Minister Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah — signalling a deepening of the security dimension of the bilateral relationship.

Indian Community in Kuwait

In between the diplomatic engagements, Jaishankar met members of the Indian community in Kuwait. 'Their role in strengthening India-Kuwait friendship is well recognised. Value their experiences and suggestions. Thanked them for their many contributions,' he said. The Indian diaspora in Kuwait is among the largest in the Gulf, playing a significant role in remittances and bilateral people-to-people ties.

Context: Six-Nation Tour and Gulf Outreach

Jaishankar arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday, 7 July, with Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Suleiman Mashaan Al-Mashaan receiving him. Kuwait is the third stop on a six-nation tour that has already taken the minister through Bahrain, where he met Deputy Prime Minister Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa to discuss bilateral cooperation. The tour reflects India's sustained diplomatic engagement with Gulf nations — a region critical to India's energy security and home to a large Indian diaspora. With the Gulf witnessing heightened geopolitical tension, New Delhi's outreach carries added strategic weight.