India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened the India-GCC Troika Ministerial Meeting in New York on September 25, where they reviewed the implementation of their Joint Action Plan and discussed regional and international issues. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led the Indian delegation, while the GCC was represented by Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, and Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir. Ministers and senior officials from the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait also participated in the meeting.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building on the achievements of the first India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue held in Riyadh on September 9, 2024. They appreciated the steady progress in advancing cooperation across sectors, including trade, investment, energy, health, technology, and cultural exchanges. The relationship between India and GCC countries is underpinned by vibrant trade linkages and strong people-to-people ties, with total trade standing at USD 178.66 billion in FY 2025-26.
The leaders reviewed the implementation of the India-GCC Joint Action Plan (JAP) 2024-2028, which envisages joint activities in various areas, including political dialogue, security, trade and investment, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, health, culture, and education. They welcomed the launch of India-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations after the Terms of Reference were finalised in February 2026. The FTA is expected to unlock the full potential of trade between India and the GCC.
Jaishankar thanked GCC countries for the energy and fertiliser supplied despite disruption of trade routes during the recent conflict in West Asia. He emphasised further strengthening the India-GCC energy partnership, including through expanded cooperation in renewables, biofuels, and green technologies. The leaders also emphasised the importance of joint activities in arts, heritage, yoga, music, cinema, and literature.
On people-to-people ties, Jaishankar appreciated GCC countries for ensuring the welfare of the Indian diaspora and their safety and well-being during the recent West Asia conflict. The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the situation in West Asia, challenges to commercial shipping in international waterways, reform of multilateral institutions, sustainability, and terrorism.
Jaishankar highlighted the importance of regional peace and security, and efforts to use dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. Both sides agreed to hold the second edition of the India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at an early date. Earlier, Jaishankar said he was glad to co-chair the India-Gulf Cooperation Council Troika Ministerial Meeting in New York and welcomed the launch of India-GCC FTA negotiations.
The meeting also saw discussions on the importance of freedom of navigation and safety of seafarers and commercial shipping. India and Liberia have launched a group to advocate maritime safety in the face of unacceptable attacks on shipping. The leaders reiterated their strong commitment to regional peace and security, and efforts to strengthen economic integration between India and the GCC.
Key points
- India and GCC countries have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties in areas including trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people exchanges.
- The leaders have welcomed the launch of India-GCC FTA negotiations, expected to unlock the full potential of trade between the two sides.
- India and GCC countries have emphasised the importance of regional peace and security, and efforts to use dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
