India, GCC to push forward on free trade agreement talks

India and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council are moving forward with negotiations on a free trade agreement following discussions in the Saudi capital. Ambassador Vipul held talks with GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi to review the state of negotiations and chart the path ahead for the trade deal, according to a statement from the GCC Secretariat.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on regional and international developments while reviewing preparations for a ministerial-level meeting scheduled for next month. The discussions underscored New Delhi's commitment to deepening economic engagement with the oil-rich Gulf nations as part of its broader regional strategy.

India and the GCC resumed formal negotiations on the comprehensive trade agreement in February after a hiatus, with the aim of boosting bilateral commerce and investment flows. The talks were temporarily suspended in June amid tensions in West Asia, but both sides have signalled their intention to press ahead with the negotiations.

The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The bloc, established in 1981, serves as a political, economic and security grouping for its member states. A free trade pact with India would represent a significant expansion of economic ties between New Delhi and one of the world's most important oil and gas producing regions.