Shri Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV&OIA), visited Riyadh on September 7-8 for the India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Political Dialogue, holding wide-ranging discussions with Dr. Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Negotiations of the GCC. He was accompanied by Additional Secretary (Gulf) Shri Aseem R. Mahajan.
India and GCC countries share historically close ties, strengthened by strong trade linkages and a vibrant Indian diaspora of nearly 10 million in the region. Bilateral trade has continued to grow, reaching around USD 178 billion in FY 2024-25. The two sides reviewed the implementation of the India-GCC Joint Action Plan (2024- 2028), adopted at the first Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue held in Riyadh in September 2024. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in political dialogue, security, trade and investment, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, health, culture, and education. Both sides agreed to step up high-level engagements and joint activities while exchanging views on regional and global issues of common interest.
During a separate meeting with Dr. Raja M. Marzoqi, General Coordinator for Negotiations and Head of the GCC Negotiating Team, Chatterjee underlined the importance of concluding an India-GCC free trade agreement. Both sides agreed to commence negotiations at an early date and explore new opportunities to expand trade and investment.
The Secretary also attended a reception hosted by the Embassy of India for the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. He commended the diaspora’s contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and acknowledged their role in the Kingdom’s economic development, while thanking Saudi leadership for supporting the welfare of the Indian community.
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