Jaishankar to travel to West Asia, US and Belgium

India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is set to undertake a significant diplomatic tour, commencing July 5 and concluding on July 15. The itinerary includes visits to four West Asian nations – Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman – followed by engagements in the United States and Belgium.

From July 5 to July 10, Jaishankar will engage with his counterparts and national leadership in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The primary objectives of this leg of the tour are to strengthen bilateral ties and to foster discussions on pressing regional developments and issues of common concern. This outreach is viewed as a strategic move by New Delhi to bolster relationships with key West Asian partners, who are vital sources of energy for India and host substantial Indian expatriate communities.

The visits to West Asia are particularly crucial in the context of global energy security. India seeks to ensure consistent supplies of oil and gas from the region, especially amid ongoing disruptions linked to the Iran-US conflict. Maintaining stable energy imports is a priority for India's economic stability.

Subsequently, Jaishankar will travel to New York on July 13 to officially launch India's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term. This marks a significant step in India's diplomatic efforts to increase its global influence. The tour concludes in Brussels, from July 14-15, where he will attend the third ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). During his time in Brussels, he is also scheduled to meet with his EU and Belgian counterparts.