India, GCC hold political dialogue, FTA in Riyadh

New Delhi, Sep 8: India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held wide-ranging discussions during the India-GCC Political Dialogue in Riyadh on September 7-8, with both sides reviewing progress on their Joint Action Plan (2024-2028) and agreeing to deepen cooperation in multiple sectors.

The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee, accompanied by Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R. Mahajan. They met Dr. Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg, GCC Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Negotiations.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions focused on strengthening collaboration under the Joint Action Plan across areas including political dialogue, security, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, food security, health, culture, education and transportation. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared concern, and agreed to enhance high-level engagements and joint activities. Chatterjee also held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Raja M. Marzoqi, General Coordinator for Negotiations of the GCC, where the two sides underlined the importance of the proposed India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA). They agreed to begin negotiations at an early date and explore new avenues for expanding trade and investment.

On the sidelines, Chatterjee attended a special reception hosted by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora. He praised their contribution to strengthening India-Saudi Arabia relations and acknowledged their role in the Kingdom’s economic development. He also thanked the Saudi leadership for supporting the welfare of nearly 10 million Indians residing in the GCC region. India and the GCC share close historical ties, with bilateral trade reaching around USD 178 billion in FY 2024-25.