External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Emphasizes Strengthening Ties with West Asia

Strengthening India's West Asia Relations

New Delhi | September 8, 2026: Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has placed significant emphasis on enhancing India's relations with West Asia. He chaired a crucial meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee in New Delhi, highlighting the importance of deepening India's historical, close, and strategic ties with the Gulf, West Asia, and North Africa (WANA) region.

Addressing the parliamentarians at this high-level gathering, the External Affairs Minister briefed them on India's growing engagement and long-term priorities in the region. Despite ongoing conflicts and geopolitical turbulence, India is actively pursuing trade, investment, and connectivity with West Asia.

India's Growing Activism in West Asia

Dr. Jaishankar stressed that, notwithstanding the current conflicts and geopolitical shifts in West Asia, India continues to advance its trade, investment, and connectivity with the region. He pointed out that countries in this area are vital for India's energy and economic interests.

India's long-standing strategic partnerships are consistently reaching new heights in critical areas such as trade, investment, energy, maritime security, and people-to-people connections. The Minister shared a photograph from the meeting on 'X' (formerly Twitter), detailing the discussions held on India's relations with West Asia.

"Our close ties with the Gulf and WANA region involve our long-standing partnership and cooperation in areas of trade, investment, energy, maritime affairs, and people-to-people relations," Dr. Jaishankar stated.

He also highlighted India's efforts to ensure the welfare of one crore Indians in the region amidst ongoing conflicts, secure energy and fertilizer supplies, and promote trade and connectivity.

Bilateral Discussions with Luxembourg

Prior to this parliamentary committee meeting, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also held a bilateral meeting with Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Luxembourg. During this interaction, both leaders engaged in detailed discussions to further deepen the partnership between India and Luxembourg in key sectors like trade, investment, financial cooperation, and space technology.

Dr. Jaishankar remarked that in this era of global uncertainties and disruptions, the strategic partnership between trusted nations like India and Luxembourg has become even more relevant and robust.