India, GCC Review Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have reviewed progress on negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement, as discussions between the two sides gain momentum following a temporary pause earlier this year.
India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, held talks with GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in Riyadh. The meeting covered strengthening economic and bilateral cooperation, regional and international developments, and preparations for a ministerial-level meeting scheduled for next month.
India and the six-member GCC resumed negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement in February, with the proposed pact aimed at expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation. The discussions were temporarily stalled in June amid developments in West Asia.
The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The grouping represents an important economic partner for India, with bilateral trade reaching US$ 178.56 billion in 2024-25, accounting for around 15.42% of India’s total global trade.
India’s exports to the GCC stood at approximately US$ 56.87 billion, while imports were valued at US$ 121.68 billion. Key Indian exports to the region include engineering goods, textiles, machinery, rice, and gems and jewellery, while major imports comprise crude oil, LNG, petrochemicals and gold.
The GCC is also an important source of investment for India, with cumulative investments exceeding US$ 31.14 billion as of September 2025. The region is home to nearly 10 million members of the Indian community and remains a major source of remittances.
The current negotiations revive earlier efforts undertaken in 2006 and 2008. India has already implemented a trade agreement with the UAE and signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Oman, strengthening its trade links with the Gulf region.
