Air India Express restarts flights to West Asia halted due to Iran war

On July 5, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commenced a significant diplomatic journey spanning six nations—Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United States, and Belgium. This multi-country tour marks a strategic effort by India to strengthen its foreign policy ties and address pressing geopolitical concerns. The initial phase of the tour focused on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, where Jaishankar engaged in high-level discussions aimed at reinforcing bilateral relationships and addressing regional developments. His itinerary included visits to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman from July 5 to July 10, followed by a move to New York and Brussels for further diplomatic engagements.

The timing of Jaishankar's visit to the Gulf nations coincides with a period of heightened political activity in the region, particularly following the recent peace agreement between the United States and Iran. This development has significantly altered the landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics, prompting India to reassess its strategic partnerships and economic interests in the area. During his time in the Gulf, Jaishankar met with senior officials and leaders of each country, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stable and cooperative relations amidst ongoing regional tensions. These interactions underscored India's commitment to securing reliable energy supplies from the region, especially given the potential disruptions caused by the earlier Iran-US conflict.

Following his engagements in the Gulf, Jaishankar traveled to New York, where he launched India's formal campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2028-29. This initiative reflects India's aspirations to play a more prominent role in global governance structures and to advocate for multilateralism in international affairs. In addition to his efforts in New York, Jaishankar participated in the third ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Brussels. The TTC, established in 2022, serves as a platform for dialogue on critical technological areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. This meeting highlighted India's growing emphasis on fostering technological collaboration with the European Union.

Amidst these diplomatic endeavors, Air India Express also made notable announcements regarding the resumption of its flight operations to West Asia. The airline had previously suspended services to Salalah in Oman and Kuwait due to the escalating tensions stemming from the US-Iran conflict. However, with the situation stabilizing, Air India Express restored its services to these destinations, beginning with the Kozhikode–Salalah route on July 2 and gradually expanding its network. The resumption of flights not only signifies improved regional security but also underscores the importance of maintaining robust commercial links between India and West Asian countries. Additionally, the airline announced plans to introduce new routes, including direct flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport to Abu Dhabi, further enhancing connectivity between India and the Gulf.

The broader context of Jaishankar's tour highlights India's multifaceted approach to foreign policy, balancing strategic partnerships with economic interests and global engagement. As the nation seeks to assert itself on the world stage, such diplomatic missions are crucial in shaping its international profile and ensuring continued cooperation with key allies. With the resumption of air services and the continuation of high-level dialogues, India appears poised to solidify its position as a pivotal player in both regional and global affairs. The outcomes of Jaishankar's engagements will likely influence future policy decisions and shape the trajectory of India's international relations in the years ahead.