India and GCC Explore Free Trade Agreement Progress
By Editor • August 24, 2026 • 1 min read
In a pivotal meeting held on August 23, 2026, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, engaged in comprehensive discussions with Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in Riyadh. The dialogue focused on enhancing India-GCC relations and reviewed the next steps for a crucial free trade agreement (FTA).
The GCC, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, resumed FTA negotiations with India in February after a hiatus caused by the West Asia crisis in June. This agreement is essential for bolstering bilateral trade, which reached approximately $178.56 billion in 2024-25, making the GCC India’s largest trading partner bloc.
During the meeting, both parties emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination on matters of mutual interest to promote regional stability. The discussions also covered preparations for a Ministerial meeting scheduled for next month, as outlined by the GCC Secretariat.
India’s exports to the GCC amounted to around $56.87 billion, while imports, primarily crude oil and LNG, totaled $121.68 billion. Notably, the region is a major source of investment for India, with investments exceeding $31.14 billion by September 2025.
Source: www.thehindu.com
