India and GCC review cooperation and launch FTA negotiations
NEW YORK: India and the Gulf Cooperation Council have reviewed their cooperation under the India-GCC Joint Action Plan and discussed further strengthening ties in trade, investment, energy, health and new technologies.
The discussions took place at the India-GCC Troika Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the meeting. Representatives from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the GCC Secretariat participated in the Troika format, while ministers and senior officials from other GCC countries also took part.
The meeting reviewed progress under the Joint Action Plan for 2024–28. India also welcomed the launch of negotiations for an India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
Trade and investment were among the key areas discussed, along with energy, food security, healthcare, new technologies and cultural cooperation.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in West Asia and challenges affecting commercial shipping and international waterways.
India highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers and commercial shipping.
Energy cooperation was another area of discussion. India and GCC countries are already closely connected through energy trade, while the meeting also considered opportunities involving renewable energy, biofuels and green technologies.
The ministers also discussed people-to-people relations and the contribution of the Indian community in Gulf countries.
India and the GCC agreed to continue their engagement and hold the second India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at an early date.
The meeting comes as India and the Gulf countries seek to broaden their relationship beyond traditional energy and trade links into technology, healthcare, investment and other emerging areas.
