Hello, Marhaba, and Namaste!
Welcome to the inaugural issue of the India–Gulf Digest, a monthly digest of official statements and press releases on India’s engagement with the Arab Gulf states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Curated by Irfan Ahmed Nazir, this issue brings together the major developments in India–Gulf relations during June 2026.
Political and Diplomatic Relations
India condemns attack on Kuwait International Airport
India condemned the Iranian attack on Kuwait International Airport on June 3, 2026, which occurred amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The attack resulted in the death of an Indian national and several of other Indian national injured. During a telephone conversation with Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah on June 9, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated “India’s strong condemnation of attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and conveyed India’s solidarity with Kuwait.
- Source: Statement on the attack on Kuwait International Airport, MEA India, June 3, 2026.
- Source: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi speaks with the Amir of Kuwait, MEA India, June 9, 2026.
- Related: Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, PIB India, June 4, 2026.
India monitors maritime security situation in the Gulf
India remained on high alert over the maritime security situation in the Gulf following the US attacks on two Palau-flagged oil tankers carrying Indian seafarers off the coast of Oman, against the backdrop of the ongoing regional conflict. The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Royal Navy of Oman, safely rescued all 24 Indian seafarers of MT Marivex, which was targeted on June 8, 2026. In a separate incident on June 10, 2026, MT Settebello was also attacked, resulting in the deaths of three Indian seafarers, while the remaining 21 Indian seafarers were rescued. India condemned the attacks and, on June 12, 2026, summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi to convey its strong protest over the incidents.
- Source: 24 Indian seafarers brought to safety through coordinated efforts of Indian Coast Guard and Omani Authorities following attack on Merchant Vessel near Oman, PIB India, June 9, 2026.
- Source: Statement on the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, MEA India, June 10, 2026.
- Source: Government on Highest Alert to Safeguard Indian Seafarers Amid Evolving Maritime Security Situation in Gulf Region, PIB India, June 11, 2026.
- Source: U.S. Chargé d’Affaires summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs, MEA India, June 12, 2026.
- Related: Statement on developments in West Asia, MEA India, June 8, 2026.
- Related: Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, PIB India, June 11, 2026.
- Related: Prime Minister welcomes understanding between the United States and Iran on ending conflict in West Asia, PIB India, June 15, 2026.
- Related: Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, PIB India, June 18, 2026.
- Related: Government extends full customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical products in view of ongoing conflict in West Asia till 15th July 2026, PIB, June 30, 2026.
Prime Minister Modi meets UAE President
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France, on June 16, 2026. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. This was the third meeting between the two leaders in 2026, signifying the strong and vibrant India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership.
- Source: Prime Minister meets President of the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, MEA India, June 16, 2026.
Prime Minister Modi speaks with Qatari Amir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a telephone call from Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on June 23, 2026. During the call, the Amir conveyed his condolences over the loss of Indian lives in an accident at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar on June 21, 2026. The Prime Minister thanked the Amir for his words of sympathy and for Qatar’s assistance to those injured in the accident. The two leaders agreed to remain in close touch.
- Source: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi receives a telephone call from the Amir of Qatar, PIB India, June 23, 2026.
Economic Cooperation
India–Oman CEPA enters into force
On June 1, 2026, the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) entered into force, marking a significant milestone in India–Gulf economic relations. Signed in December 2025, the agreement provides duty-free market access for 99.38% of Indian exports to Oman, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian products in the Omani market. India–Oman bilateral trade reached US$11.18 billion in FY 2025-2026 and is expected to expand under the CEPA. The agreement is expected to generate employment and strengthen India’s labour-intensive sectors, including gems and jewellery, textiles, agriculture and processed foods, marine products, pharmaceuticals, electronics, engineering goods, and services. The CEPA also provides Indian exporters with improved access to Oman’s strategic logistics hubs at Sohar, Duqm, and Salalah, positioning them as gateways to wider Gulf and East African markets.
- Source: India and Oman energize a new Trade Gateway through a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), PIB India, June 1, 2026.
- Source: Prime Minister shares an article on the India-Oman CEPA and its benefits, PIB India, June 1, 2026.
- Source: APEDA Facilitates First Biscuit Export Shipment from Varanasi to Oman Following India-Oman CEPA, PIB India, June 25, 2026.
- Related: APEDA Facilitates First Commercial Export of GI-Tagged Rewa Sundarja Mangoes from Madhya Pradesh to UAE, PIB India, June 27, 2026.
Note on Sources: This digest is based on official statements and press releases published on the websites of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and the Indian missions in the Gulf. Featured Image: BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, 2024.
Irfan Ahmed Nazir 