RIYADH – India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have concluded a successful round of their Political Dialogue, reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation across a wide range of strategic sectors. The discussions were held in Riyadh from September 7-8, 2025, led by Shri Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV&OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Secretary Chatterjee, accompanied by Additional Secretary (Gulf) Shri Aseem R Mahajan, engaged in extensive discussions with Dr. Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Negotiations of the GCC. The dialogue centered on a comprehensive review of the India-GCC Joint Action Plan (JAP) for 2024-2028, which outlines the roadmap for collaboration in areas including political dialogue, security, trade, investment, energy, and cultural exchange. Both sides agreed to enhance high-level engagements and joint activities to accelerate the implementation of the plan.
A key focus of the visit was advancing economic partnership. In a dedicated bilateral meeting with Dr. Raja M. Marzoqi, the GCC’s General Coordinator for Negotiations, Secretary Chatterjee underscored the strategic importance of an India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both officials reached an agreement on the commencement of FTA negotiations at an early date, a move set to build upon the already significant bilateral trade, which stood at approximately USD 178 Billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
The visit also highlighted the vital people-to-people connections that form the bedrock of the India-GCC relationship. At a special reception, Secretary Chatterjee lauded the invaluable contributions of the nearly 10 million-strong Indian diaspora to the economic development of the GCC region and their role in strengthening bilateral ties. He expressed sincere gratitude to the leadership of Saudi Arabia for their continued support and for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community.
The successful dialogue in Riyadh marks another significant step in the evolving strategic partnership between India and the GCC, reflecting the historically close ties and shared interests in regional stability and prosperity.
