Oman – Jaishankar Arrives in Muscat During Four-Nation Gulf Visit
Oman – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Oman on Thursday as part of his ongoing official visit to four Gulf countries. He was welcomed by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maskari, Director General at Oman’s Foreign Ministry, on his arrival.
Jaishankar shared details of his arrival on social media, expressing appreciation for the reception extended by the Omani authorities. His visit to Oman marks the final leg of a regional tour that has included Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Visit Aims to Deepen India-Gulf Engagement
The External Affairs Minister has been travelling across Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman from July 5 to July 10. During the tour, he is expected to meet foreign ministers, senior government representatives and other leaders in the four countries.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is intended to strengthen India’s bilateral partnerships with the Gulf nations. Discussions are also expected to cover regional developments and matters of shared concern, particularly at a time of heightened attention on security and stability in the Gulf region.
India maintains close economic, strategic and people-to-people ties with countries across the Gulf. Energy cooperation, trade, investment, technology, defence, food security and the welfare of Indian citizens living abroad remain important areas of engagement.
Kuwait Talks Covered Regional Developments
Before travelling to Oman, Jaishankar was in Kuwait on July 9, where he held discussions with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The two leaders reviewed the situation arising from the Gulf conflict and its wider implications for the region.
Jaishankar said the talks also included an assessment of cooperation between India and Kuwait in several major sectors. These included energy, trade, investment, defence, technology, food security and healthcare.
He also thanked the Kuwaiti government for its support in ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the country. A large number of Indian nationals live and work in Kuwait, making consular and community-related issues an important component of bilateral dialogue.
The minister said he remained confident that the India-Kuwait Strategic Partnership would continue to grow in the coming period. India and Kuwait have expanded cooperation in recent years through regular political consultations and stronger commercial links.
Meeting With Kuwait Crown Prince
During his Kuwait visit, Jaishankar also called on Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah. He conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the future direction of cooperation between the two countries.
In his social media post, Jaishankar thanked the Crown Prince for his commitment to advancing India-Kuwait relations. He also acknowledged the Crown Prince’s views on developments in the Gulf.
The meetings in Kuwait formed an important part of Jaishankar’s broader outreach to India’s Gulf partners. The region remains central to India’s foreign policy because of its strategic location, energy links, expanding trade relations and the presence of a large Indian diaspora.
Oman Expected to Be Key Stop on Tour
Oman has long been one of India’s important partners in the Gulf, with cooperation extending across trade, maritime security, defence and cultural exchanges. Jaishankar’s discussions in Muscat are expected to further review bilateral ties and exchange views on regional issues.
The minister’s four-country visit reflects India’s continuing effort to maintain close coordination with Gulf countries amid changing regional circumstances. The tour is also expected to reinforce diplomatic engagement on economic cooperation and the welfare of Indian citizens across the region.