Jaishankar arrives in Oman on fourth leg of six-nation Gulf tour
Synopsis
EAM Jaishankar's Gulf swing is more than a courtesy tour — Kuwait talks covered defence cooperation, maritime security, and the Gulf conflict's regional ripple effects, while Oman follows. The visit sets the stage for India's formal UNSC 2028-29 campaign launch in New York on 13 July, signalling a tightly sequenced diplomatic push across two strategic theatres simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar arrived in Muscat, Oman on 9 July , the fourth stop of a six-nation diplomatic tour.
In Kuwait , he met Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah , covering energy, trade, defence, and food security.
Defence industry cooperation and maritime security were the focus of his meeting with Kuwait's Defence Minister .
Jaishankar interacted with the Indian community in Kuwait , recognising their contribution to bilateral ties.
He will launch India's UN Security Council 2028-29 campaign in New York on 13 July .
A visit to Brussels on 14-15 July for the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting follows.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Muscat on Thursday, 9 July, beginning the fourth leg of a six-nation diplomatic tour after wrapping up a packed schedule in Kuwait. His arrival was received by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maskari, Director General of Oman's Foreign Ministry.
'Glad to arrive in Oman today. Appreciate the warm reception by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maskari, Director General of Oman's Foreign Ministry,' Jaishankar posted on social media platform X.
Kuwait Engagements
On Wednesday, Jaishankar called on Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, thanking him for supporting the welfare of the Indian community in Kuwait and expressing confidence in deepening bilateral ties. The two leaders discussed avenues for stronger, mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
Jaishankar also held a bilateral meeting with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Foreign Minister 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 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,' he posted on X after the talks.
Defence and Maritime Security on the Agenda
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. The focus on maritime security is notable given ongoing tensions in the broader Gulf region that have disrupted shipping lanes and trade flows.
Indian Community Outreach
The EAM also met members of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, acknowledging their role in reinforcing people-to-people ties. 'Appreciated meeting 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,' Jaishankar said. The Embassy of India in Kuwait noted that he shared India's 'transformational journey and its growing global aspirations' with the gathering.
What Comes Next
Following his Oman visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to New York on 13 July to formally launch India's official campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term. He will then head to Brussels on 14-15 July for the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting, where he is expected to engage with his EU and Belgian counterparts. The six-nation tour underscores India's intensifying diplomatic outreach across the Gulf and multilateral forums ahead of its UNSC bid.
Point of View
Then New York for the UNSC campaign launch. The Kuwait agenda — defence cooperation, maritime security, Gulf conflict impact — signals that India is positioning itself as a credible interlocutor in a region where it has significant diaspora and energy stakes. The UNSC 2028-29 bid, launched immediately after Gulf outreach, is not coincidental; Gulf bloc votes matter. What mainstream coverage underplays is that India is running two parallel diplomatic tracks — bilateral Gulf relationship-building and multilateral institution-seeking — simultaneously, and this tour is the hinge connecting both.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is EAM Jaishankar on a six-nation tour?
Jaishankar is conducting a six-nation diplomatic tour to strengthen bilateral ties across the Gulf and advance India's multilateral interests, including launching its formal campaign for a UN Security Council seat for the 2028-29 term. The tour covers strategic partners in the Gulf region before moving to New York and Brussels.
What was discussed during Jaishankar's Kuwait visit?
During his Kuwait visit, Jaishankar held talks covering energy, trade, investments, defence, technology, food security, and health with Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Defence industry cooperation and maritime security were separately discussed with Kuwait's Defence Minister.
When will India launch its UN Security Council 2028-29 campaign?
India's official campaign for the UN Security Council tenure 2028-29 is set to be launched by EAM Jaishankar in New York on 13 July 2025.
What is the India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting about?
The third India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting, scheduled for 14-15 July in Brussels, is a high-level forum for India and the European Union to align on trade and emerging technology cooperation. Jaishankar is expected to meet his EU and Belgian counterparts on the sidelines.
Who received Jaishankar on his arrival in Oman?
Jaishankar was received in Muscat by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maskari, Director General of Oman's Foreign Ministry, on 9 July 2025.
