Jaishankar, Omani FM review strategic ties amid Gulf security concerns

Muscat,UPDATED: Jul 10, 2026 21:22 IST

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi during his visit to Oman, with the two leaders reviewing the full spectrum of the India-Oman Strategic Partnership and exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Jaishankar said the discussions covered key areas of cooperation, including trade, investments, connectivity, maritime, technology, defence, and cyber and AI. The visit comes as political developments in West Asia continue to move quickly following the signing of an agreement aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict.

Jaishankar, who arrived in Oman earlier in the day as part of his Gulf visit, said in a social media post that he was delighted to meet the Omani foreign minister and discuss "various facets of our cooperation". "Focused on trade, investments, connectivity, maritime, technology, defence and cyber & AI domains. Had a comprehensive exchange of views on developments in the Gulf, and efforts to ensure peace and stability," he said.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said the two ministers reviewed the full spectrum of the India-Oman Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Jaishankar also conveyed India's appreciation to the Oman government for the prompt assistance extended to Indian seafarers during the recent regional developments, it added.

Three Indian seafarers were killed in a US attack off the coast of Oman last month on the commercial tanker Settebello, which had 24 Indian crew members on board. The attack on Settebello came two days after a Palau-flagged vessel with 24 Indians came under attack by the US Navy as the ship tried to evade the US blockade of Iranian ports. India has voiced its firm opposition to attacks on merchant shipping amid the ongoing Iran conflict, and told the UN Security Council that several of its nationals have died or are missing due to attacks in the region.

The external affairs minister also interacted with members of the Indian community in Oman and appreciated their continued contribution towards further strengthening the multifaceted India-Oman relationship, the release said. "A good interaction with members of Indian diaspora in Oman this morning. Their enthusiasm in strengthening India-Oman relations was palpable," Jaishankar posted on X.

Jaishankar's Oman visit centred on bilateral cooperation, regional developments, and the safety concerns arising from recent attacks in the region, while also underlining the role of the Indian community in deepening ties between the two countries.

With PTI Inputs

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