West Asia crisis: Jaishankar speaks to Qatari PM, UAE Foreign Minister

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Sunday, April 5, 2026, to discuss the West Asian conflict and its impact on global energy supplies.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also had a telephone conversation with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.

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Mr Jaishankar’s phone calls with the Prime Minister of Qatar and the UAE Foreign Minister come at a time of rising tensions in West Asia after US President Donald Trump renewed his ultimatum to Tehran, threatening to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened to shipping.

After his meeting with Mr. Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the developing situation in West Asia was discussed, without sharing many details.

Global oil and gas prices rose after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which carries about 20% of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

West Asia has been an important source of energy supply to India.

As global concerns grow over disruptions to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, many leading powers are pushing for a full reopening of the waterway.

Iran allowed ships from friendly countries, including India, to pass through the waterway.

Over the last few weeks, India has been making diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in West Asia as soon as possible and to ensure unimpeded energy flow through the Strait of Hormuz.

New Delhi thinks that if the blockade of the shipping line continues, it could have serious consequences for the fuel and fertilizer security of many countries, including India.