Jaishankar Meets Qatar PM, Reviews Strategic Partnership And West Asia Developments

Jaishankar Meets Qatar PM, Reviews Strategic Partnership 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 full spectrum of bilateral ties, with both leaders discussing ways to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including energy, trade, investment, connectivity and security.

The meeting took place during Jaishankar’s six-day tour of the Gulf, which includes visits to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman from July 5 to 10. The visit comes amid significant diplomatic activity in West Asia following the recent US-Iran conflict and efforts to stabilise the region.

Sharing details of the meeting on X, Jaishankar thanked the Qatari leadership for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in the country.

“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.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and discussed recent regional developments and their broader implications.

Focus On Gulf Outreach

Jaishankar’s four-nation visit is aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships with key Gulf countries while reviewing cooperation across political, economic and security sectors.

During the tour, he is expected to meet the foreign ministers and senior leadership of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman to discuss bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The Gulf region has assumed greater diplomatic importance following recent tensions involving Iran, with countries such as Qatar and Oman playing active roles in regional mediation and dialogue.

Packed Diplomatic Schedule Ahead

After concluding his Gulf visit, Jaishankar will travel to New York on July 13 to launch India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term.

He will then visit Brussels on July 14 and 15 to participate in the third India-European Union Trade and Technology Council meeting and hold discussions with senior European Union and Belgian leaders on expanding strategic and economic cooperation.