Jaishankar Discusses West Asia Situation With His UAE Counterpart In First Gulf Visit Since Iran War

Last Updated:April 12, 2026, 07:03 IST

Throughout the period of West Asia conflict, India and the UAE remained in close contact.

EAM S Jaishankar held talks with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, in his first visit to the Gulf since the West Asia war began. The two-day visit comes at a crucial time, with ongoing talks between the United States and Iran taking place in Pakistan.

During the meeting, discussions centred on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implications. Jaishankar described the interaction as productive, noting that both sides exchanged views on developments in the region.

He also expressed appreciation for the UAE’s efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community living in the country. He said he was confident that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE would continue to grow.

Continued India-UAE coordination

Throughout the period of conflict, India and the UAE remained in close contact. Communication continued at both leadership and foreign minister levels, reflecting strong coordination between the two nations.

Jaishankar began his visit by meeting members of the Indian community in the UAE. He spoke about the Government of India’s efforts to ensure their safety and security during the ongoing crisis. He also acknowledged their contribution to local society and appreciated the support extended by the UAE government.

The External Affairs Minister arrived in the UAE after completing his visit to Mauritius, where he attended the 9th Indian Ocean Conference.

Strait of Hormuz concerns

The ongoing conflict has raised serious concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The waterway, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, handles around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Iran’s actions in the region have disrupted shipping and pushed global oil prices higher. While Iran has allowed vessels from friendly countries to pass, uncertainty continues to affect global energy markets. West Asia remains a major source of India’s energy imports, making the situation particularly significant.

Indian fishermen evacuated from Iran

In a separate development, 312 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran returned home via Armenia. Jaishankar confirmed their safe evacuation and thanked Ararat Mirzoyan and the Armenian government for their assistance.

This comes just a week after another group of 345 Indian fishermen was brought back from Iran, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of Indian nationals amid the regional tensions.

News world Jaishankar Discusses West Asia Situation With His UAE Counterpart In First Gulf Visit Since Iran War

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