India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have agreed to further strengthen economic and strategic cooperation, with both sides welcoming the start of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during a ministerial meeting in New York on Friday.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar headed the Indian delegation at the India-GCC Troika Ministerial Meeting, held alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Discussions covered trade and investment, energy, food security, healthcare, technology, culture and closer people-to-people ties.
The meeting also assessed progress under the India-GCC Joint Action Plan 2024-28, which provides a framework for cooperation in areas such as security, agriculture, transportation, energy, education, health and economic relations. The FTA talks follow the completion of the Terms of Reference in February 2026.
The two sides said the proposed agreement could create greater opportunities for commerce, diversify trade and deepen economic links between India and the six GCC member states.
India’s trade with GCC countries stood at USD 178.63 billion during FY 2025-26, underlining the importance of the Gulf region to India’s economic engagement. Energy cooperation was another key issue at the meeting.
Jaishankar thanked GCC countries for continuing to supply energy and fertilisers to India despite disruptions to trade routes during the recent conflict in West Asia. He also called for expanded collaboration in renewable energy, biofuels and green technologies.
The ministers discussed the welfare of the large Indian community in the Gulf and the importance of maintaining strong people-to-people connections. Jaishankar appreciated GCC countries for supporting the safety and well-being of the Indian diaspora, including during the recent regional conflict.
Regional and global developments were also discussed, including the situation in West Asia, the safety of commercial shipping through international waterways, multilateral reforms, sustainability and terrorism. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers and commercial shipping.
The two sides agreed to convene the second India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at an early date to take forward cooperation between India and the GCC.
