India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on 9 September held their first-ever Foreign Ministers meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Key points
- They adopted a Joint Action Plan 2024-2028 for undertaking various joint activities in diverse areas, including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, among others.
- With the GCC region housing nearly 8.9 million Indian expatriates and serving as a major trading partner, this diplomatic engagement holds significant importance for India’s foreign policy.
- Shri Jaishankar pointed out that the GCC, which comprises some of the world’s largest oil and gas producers, plays a central role in ensuring global energy stability. India, as one of the fastest-growing economies, is set to become a major driver of global energy demand in the coming years. By enhancing collaboration in this area, India and the GCC can not only stabilize energy markets but also spur innovation in the sector.
- The India-GCC partnership is not just limited to energy; it extends into the realms of trade and economic cooperation.
- Bilateral trade between India and the GCC has expanded significantly over the years, with both sides recognizing the potential for further growth.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
- The GCC was established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May 1981.
