Jaishankar Holds Talks With Qatar PM On Strategic Ties, Regional Situation

Jaishankar Holds Talks With Qatar PM, Reviews India-Qatar Ties And West Asia Situation

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, to review the expanding India-Qatar strategic partnership and exchange views on the evolving situation in West Asia.

The meeting marked the first leg of Jaishankar’s six-day tour of the Gulf, during which he will also visit Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement in the region following the recent US-Iran conflict and ongoing efforts to preserve regional stability.

After the meeting, Jaishankar said the two leaders held comprehensive discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across several sectors.

“Reviewed various facets of our bilateral cooperation, especially energy, trade, investments, connectivity, security and people-to-people ties. Explored new opportunities for deepening our Strategic Partnership,” he posted on X.

Jaishankar also thanked Sheikh Mohammed for the care and welfare extended to the Indian community living in Qatar.

Beyond bilateral ties, the two leaders discussed recent developments in West Asia and exchanged perspectives on the regional security situation.

Part Of India’s Wider Gulf Outreach

Jaishankar’s visit underscores India’s continued focus on strengthening engagement with its Gulf partners, who are key stakeholders in India’s energy security, trade, investment and diaspora interests.

During the tour, he is scheduled to hold meetings with the foreign ministers and senior leadership of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman to review bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and international developments.

The visit comes at a time when Gulf nations, particularly Qatar and Oman, have played an active diplomatic role in regional de-escalation efforts following the recent conflict involving Iran.

Next Stops: UN Campaign And EU Talks

Following his Gulf engagements, Jaishankar will travel to New York on July 13 to launch India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term.

He will then head to Brussels on July 14-15 to attend the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting, where discussions are expected to focus on strengthening trade, technology and strategic cooperation with the European Union.