GCC-India Joint Ministerial Meeting explore ways to strengthen cooperation

India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar, visited Riyadh on September 8-9, 2024, to attend the inaugural India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue. The meeting, which marked a significant milestone in India-GCC relations, was co-chaired by Dr. Jaishankar and H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, who also serves as President of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council.

The high-level meeting brought together Foreign Ministers from all GCC nations and the Secretary General of the GCC, H.E. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. In his address, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the strategic importance of the GCC to India, referring to the Gulf region as India’s “extended neighborhood.” He expressed gratitude to the GCC countries for their care of the large Indian diaspora in the region and highlighted the upward trajectory of India-GCC relations in recent years.

Both sides discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development and people-to-people ties, with a shared goal of promoting economic growth and stability in both regions. The meeting culminated in the adoption of a Joint Action Plan 2024-2028, which outlines collaborative efforts in areas such as health, trade, agriculture, security, transportation and energy.

In addition to the multilateral discussions, Dr. Jaishankar held bilateral talks with the Foreign Ministers of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, further solidifying India’s individual ties with these key Gulf nations. The strategic dialogue also addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern, reinforcing the commitment of India and the GCC to work together for a more prosperous and stable future.