India GCC Political Dialogue in Riyadh Pushes Strategic Cooperation Forward

Riyadh, September 8, 2025
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) concluded a vibrant two day political dialogue in Riyadh, marking a major stride in bilateral collaboration. Over the talks held on September 7 and 8, key officials from both sides reviewed the India GCC Joint Action Plan 2024 to 2028, exploring future focused partnerships across multiple sectors.

Leading the Indian delegation was Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV and OIA) of India's Ministry of External Affairs, who met with Dr. Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the GCC Secretariat. Accompanying Chatterjee was Additional Secretary (Gulf), Aseem R. Mahajan.

Reviewing the Action Plan

The talks focused on implementing pillars of the 2024 to 2028 joint strategy, including political dialogue, security, trade and investment, energy, agriculture and food security, transport, health, education, and culture. Both sides identified new programs and agreed to deepen high level cooperation through joint activities and meetings.

Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Begin Soon

A standout outcome was the agreement to officially commence negotiations for an India GCC Free Trade Agreement. During a separate bilateral meeting, Chatterjee and Raja M. Marzoqi, the GCC General Coordinator for Negotiations, placed strong emphasis on setting negotiations in motion at an early date.

Trade, Diaspora, and Broad Cooperation

Highlighting the importance of the dialogue, Indian Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan underscored the natural synergy between India and the GCC, rooted in geography, history, trade, and people to people relations. He called the discussions an excellent opportunity to evaluate progress and explore action oriented engagement in areas like trade, investment, energy, health, and tourism along with broader global and regional issues.

Chatterjee also attended a reception hosted by the Indian Embassy and the Indian diaspora in Riyadh. He warmly praised their role in strengthening bilateral relations and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic ecosystem.

India GCC Deepening Economic Ties

India and the GCC share robust trade and investment ties. In the financial year 2024 to 25, bilateral trade reached an impressive 178 billion US dollars. Nearly 10 million Indians live in GCC countries, forming a strong bridge across commerce, culture, and human connection.

Broader Context of Energy, Defense, and Diversification

Beyond the India GCC dialogue, India continues to expand strategic partnerships across the Gulf. Earlier this year, India and Saudi Arabia agreed to deepen cooperation in energy, including crude and liquefied petroleum gas supply, as well as in defense manufacturing, agriculture, and food security.

At the same time, India is navigating a challenging trade environment with the United States, which has imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on certain Indian exports. To counterbalance, New Delhi is accelerating free trade agreements with regions such as the European Union, Oman, Qatar, Chile, and Peru. India is also expected to finalize a trade pact framework with Qatar by October.

What This Means for People

India and GCC are aligning for three P words: People, Prosperity, and Progress. With an ever growing diaspora and deep rooted ties, this dialogue advances not just economic interests but collective stability, energy security, healthcare access, food resilience, and cultural exchange.

Launching the free trade agreement talks is a bold move that could set in motion streamlined trade, lower costs, and job creation. For Indian families and communities spread across the Gulf, this translates to stronger bonds, easier mobility, and a greater sense of belonging.

Furthermore, as India hedges against global trade unpredictability, its closer partnership with the GCC highlights strategic foresight and diversification of partnerships.