Irfan Ahmed Nazir

India–Gulf Digest: July 2026

Posted on IRFANAHMEDNAZIR.com

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Hello, Marhaba, and Namaste!

Welcome to the second 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 July 2026.

Political and Diplomatic Relations

India concerned as tensions escalate in the Gulf

India expressed deep concern over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in the Middle East, particularly the targeting of commercial vessels transiting the Gulf. India condemned the Iranian attacks on GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman on July 12, 2016, and on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on July 14, 2026. All three vessels were carrying Indian seafarers. India coordinated with the authorities in Oman and the UAE to rescue and provide assistance to the affected Indian seafarers. One Indian national aboard each of GFS Galaxy and MT Al Bahiyah was reported killed in the attacks. On July 14, India summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over the attacks. In a reply to a Rajya Sabha question on July 30, the Ministry of External Affairs reported that 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives and 75 have been injured since the outbreak of the US–Israel–Iran conflict earlier this year.

India mourns the passing of Qatar’s Father Amir

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Father Amir of Qatar, who ruled the country from 1995 to 2013, passed away on July 12, 2026. India declared a one-day national mourning on July 13 as a mark of respect for the former Qatari leader. On July 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by telephone with Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani and conveyed his condolences. He recalled Father Amir’s “pivotal role in strengthening India-Qatar relations over the years as well as his deep affection for India and the Indian community in Qatar.”

EAM Jaishankar visits four Gulf states 

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar paid official visits to Qatar, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman between July 5 and 10, 2026. During the visits, the EAM held discussions with senior officials on bilateral relations and regional developments amid the ongoing conflict, and interacted with members of the Indian community in the four Gulf states.

India–UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs meets in New Delhi

The seventh meeting of the India–UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs was held in New Delhi on July 22, 2026. The meeting reviewed issues relating to consular services, labour and mobility, extradition, and mutual legal assistance.

Economic Cooperation

India exports to UAE expand through fresh produce

India’s agricultural exports to the UAE expanded in July 2026, with new shipments of premium fruits from Jammu and Kashmir (Areko cherries, Scentrose plums), Jharkhand (Amrapali mangoes), and Uttar Pradesh (Dashehari and Langra mangoes) reaching Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), these exports opened new international markets for Indian farmers, including women-led and tribal producer groups.

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.

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