Jaishankar meets Qatar PM, reviews ties as West Asia sees Iran ceasefire
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Sunday (July 5, 2026) in Doha to review bilateral cooperation and regional developments. The meeting covered key areas including energy, trade, investments, connectivity, and security.
Mr. Jaishankar's visit comes amid rapid changes in West Asia following a recent agreement aimed at ending the U.S.-Iran conflict. Qatar and Oman have played mediating roles, alongside Pakistan, in securing a ceasefire after weeks of escalating tensions. Indirect talks between Washington and Tehran in Doha are expected to resume after the funeral rites of Iran's late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which began on July 3.
During the meeting, Mr. Jaishankar thanked the Qatari PM for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Qatar. He also shared his assessment of the West Asia conflict and its impact with PM Al-Thani, who also serves as Qatar's foreign minister.
Mr. Jaishankar is on a six-day tour from July 5 to 10, covering Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. He will meet his counterparts and top leaders in each country to enhance bilateral relations and exchange views on regional issues.
After the Gulf leg, Mr. 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 attend the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting in Brussels on July 14-15, where he will interact with EU and Belgian officials.
