GCC, India Discuss Ministerial Meeting Set to be Held Next Month

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, held discussions in Riyadh with the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shri Vipul. The meeting focused on strengthening the relationship between the GCC and India, exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation that serve mutual interests.

A significant point of discussion was the progress of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and India, which was initially signed in February 2026. The officials also reviewed preparations for the GCC-India ministerial meeting scheduled to take place next September, signaling ongoing diplomatic engagement.

Beyond bilateral ties, the two sides exchanged views on current regional and global developments. Both officials emphasized the importance of continued coordination and consultation on matters of shared concern, underscoring a commitment to collaborative approaches on international issues.