India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have reviewed progress in their expanding partnership during the India-GCC Troika Ministerial Meeting in New York. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted longstanding ties between India and GCC countries and cooperation across trade, investment, energy, health, technology and culture.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The two sides reviewed implementation of the India-GCC Joint Action Plan 2024-28, which covers political dialogue, security, trade and investment, agriculture, food security, transportation, energy, health, culture and education.
Jaishankar also welcomed the launch of negotiations for an India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
India and GCC leaders welcomed the launch of FTA negotiations following the finalisation of the Terms of Reference in February 2026.
The proposed agreement is intended to expand and diversify trade while strengthening economic integration between India and the Gulf region.
India-GCC bilateral trade reached USD 178.66 billion in FY 2025-26, highlighting the scale of their economic relationship.
Energy continues to be a major area of India-GCC cooperation. Jaishankar thanked GCC countries for maintaining supplies of energy and fertilisers to India despite disruptions to trade routes during the recent West Asia conflict.
India also highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in renewable energy, biofuels and green technologies.
The two sides also discussed strengthening cultural and people-to-people connections through cooperation in arts, heritage, yoga, music, cinema and literature.
Jaishankar appreciated GCC countries for supporting the welfare, safety and well-being of the Indian diaspora in the region.
The ministers exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in West Asia, challenges affecting commercial shipping through international waterways, multilateral institutional reform, sustainability and terrorism.
Jaishankar stressed the importance of regional peace and security and dialogue and diplomacy in addressing conflicts.
The leaders agreed to hold the second India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at an early date.
The development comes as India and GCC countries seek to deepen cooperation across economic, energy, security, technology and cultural areas.
