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EAM Jaishankar underscores the growing strategic importance of India-GCC ties
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has concluded a significant two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where he co-chaired the first-ever India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue alongside Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar. The meeting, held in Riyadh on September 9, 2024, marks a crucial milestone in India-GCC relations, bringing together foreign ministers from all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
The meeting resulted in the adoption of a Joint Action Plan (2024-2028), setting the foundation for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors, including health, trade, security, energy, agriculture, and transportation. This strategic dialogue emphasized the broadening scope of India-GCC relations, aiming for deeper collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
In his opening remarks at the ministerial meeting, EAM Jaishankar underscored the growing strategic importance of India-GCC ties, referring to the GCC as India’s "extended neighborhood" and highlighting the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf region. "The relationship between India and the GCC is rooted in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and shared values. These bonds have grown stronger with time, evolving into a partnership that spans economics, energy, defense, technology, and people-to-people ties," he stated.
"3 Ps” of the India-GCC Partnership
EAM Jaishankar framed the partnership through the "3 Ps" – People, Prosperity, and Progress – underscoring the critical pillars that drive the India-GCC relationship.
People: He stressed the significance of the nearly 9 million Indians living and working in GCC countries, calling them the "bedrock of our friendship," noting “their contributions to your economic progress are widely recognized” .He acknowledged the efforts made by GCC nations to ensure the welfare of the Indian diaspora, which serves as a "living bridge" between India and the Gulf.
Prosperity: On the economic front, EAM Jaishankar emphasized the strong trade, investment, and energy links between India and the GCC, which are key drivers of prosperity for both sides.
“The Gulf is a cornerstone of global energy supply, and India is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets,” he noted, adding that much of the future demand was going to come from India. “Our deeper collaboration will help in stabilizing markets, driving innovation and enhancing energy security,” he pointed out. He also highlighted the complementarities in sectors like trade, technology, and connectivity. During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar urged the early conclusion of the much-anticipated India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to provide a substantial boost to bilateral trade and investment.
Progress: The strategic dialogue explored new avenues for partnership, particularly in renewable energy, technology, innovation, education, health, and space. EAM emphasized the potential for collaboration in these areas to support both nations' national development goals. He also touched on the importance of leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence and green technologies as part of a shared vision for sustainable growth.
Joint Action Plan for Deeper India-GCC Collaboration
A key outcome of the dialogue was the formal adoption of a Joint Action Plan (2024-2028), which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for deepening cooperation in several critical areas:
Health and Healthcare: Collaborative initiatives in medical research, healthcare infrastructure, and health services are expected to benefit both regions.
Trade and Investment: Both sides will work on enhancing trade facilitation and investment flows, with a focus on concluding the India-GCC FTA to maximize the economic potential of this partnership.
Agriculture and Food Security: India and the GCC will collaborate on agricultural innovation and food security, especially in the face of global supply chain challenges.
Transportation and Infrastructure: Joint efforts will be made to improve connectivity through expanded air and maritime links, boosting tourism, business exchanges, and trade.
Energy Security and Renewables: As the Gulf is a global energy powerhouse and India is a major energy consumer, the partnership aims to stabilize energy markets while fostering collaboration in renewable energy, including solar and wind power.
Culture and People-to-People Ties: A focus on cultural exchanges and enhancing the welfare of the Indian diaspora in the GCC countries.
The Joint Action Plan allows for the inclusion of additional areas of cooperation through mutual consensus in the future, signaling the adaptability and long-term vision of this partnership.
The India-GCC meeting also focused on addressing pressing regional and international issues of common interest. Among them was the current situation in Gaza, which EAM Jaishankar described as the “foremost concern.” He reiterated India’s principled position on the issue, condemning acts of terrorism while expressing deep sorrow over the loss of civilian lives. "Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible," Jaishankar emphasized.
India’s consistent support for a two-state solution and its contributions toward building Palestinian institutions were also highlighted during the discussions. EAM reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace, stability, and humanitarian efforts in the region.
Security also featured prominently in the dialogue, with a focus on defense cooperation, joint military exercises, and industry collaboration. As the Gulf region occupies a central position in global geopolitics, the ministers discussed the need for strengthening security exchanges to ensure stability in the region. “Progress and prosperity require security to be stronger,” EAM Jaishankar remarked, underscoring the importance of maintaining peace in a world polarized by conflict.
EAM Jaishankar’s post on platform X following the meeting encapsulated the core themes discussed: "Co-chaired the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh. Underlined the key pillars of our partnership: People, Prosperity, Progress, and Security." He added that the adoption of the Joint Action Plan would “provide a pathway for an expanded partnership” in the years ahead.
To sum it up, the first-ever India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue marks a historic moment in the evolution of India’s relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The meeting resulted in the adoption of a Joint Action Plan (2024-2028), setting the foundation for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors, including health, trade, security, energy, agriculture, and transportation. This strategic dialogue emphasized the broadening scope of India-GCC relations, aiming for deeper collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
In his opening remarks at the ministerial meeting, EAM Jaishankar underscored the growing strategic importance of India-GCC ties, referring to the GCC as India’s "extended neighborhood" and highlighting the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf region. "The relationship between India and the GCC is rooted in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and shared values. These bonds have grown stronger with time, evolving into a partnership that spans economics, energy, defense, technology, and people-to-people ties," he stated.
"3 Ps” of the India-GCC Partnership
EAM Jaishankar framed the partnership through the "3 Ps" – People, Prosperity, and Progress – underscoring the critical pillars that drive the India-GCC relationship.
People: He stressed the significance of the nearly 9 million Indians living and working in GCC countries, calling them the "bedrock of our friendship," noting “their contributions to your economic progress are widely recognized” .He acknowledged the efforts made by GCC nations to ensure the welfare of the Indian diaspora, which serves as a "living bridge" between India and the Gulf.
Prosperity: On the economic front, EAM Jaishankar emphasized the strong trade, investment, and energy links between India and the GCC, which are key drivers of prosperity for both sides.
“The Gulf is a cornerstone of global energy supply, and India is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets,” he noted, adding that much of the future demand was going to come from India. “Our deeper collaboration will help in stabilizing markets, driving innovation and enhancing energy security,” he pointed out. He also highlighted the complementarities in sectors like trade, technology, and connectivity. During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar urged the early conclusion of the much-anticipated India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to provide a substantial boost to bilateral trade and investment.
Progress: The strategic dialogue explored new avenues for partnership, particularly in renewable energy, technology, innovation, education, health, and space. EAM emphasized the potential for collaboration in these areas to support both nations' national development goals. He also touched on the importance of leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence and green technologies as part of a shared vision for sustainable growth.
Joint Action Plan for Deeper India-GCC Collaboration
A key outcome of the dialogue was the formal adoption of a Joint Action Plan (2024-2028), which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for deepening cooperation in several critical areas:
Health and Healthcare: Collaborative initiatives in medical research, healthcare infrastructure, and health services are expected to benefit both regions.
Trade and Investment: Both sides will work on enhancing trade facilitation and investment flows, with a focus on concluding the India-GCC FTA to maximize the economic potential of this partnership.
Agriculture and Food Security: India and the GCC will collaborate on agricultural innovation and food security, especially in the face of global supply chain challenges.
Transportation and Infrastructure: Joint efforts will be made to improve connectivity through expanded air and maritime links, boosting tourism, business exchanges, and trade.
Energy Security and Renewables: As the Gulf is a global energy powerhouse and India is a major energy consumer, the partnership aims to stabilize energy markets while fostering collaboration in renewable energy, including solar and wind power.
Culture and People-to-People Ties: A focus on cultural exchanges and enhancing the welfare of the Indian diaspora in the GCC countries.
The Joint Action Plan allows for the inclusion of additional areas of cooperation through mutual consensus in the future, signaling the adaptability and long-term vision of this partnership.
The India-GCC meeting also focused on addressing pressing regional and international issues of common interest. Among them was the current situation in Gaza, which EAM Jaishankar described as the “foremost concern.” He reiterated India’s principled position on the issue, condemning acts of terrorism while expressing deep sorrow over the loss of civilian lives. "Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible," Jaishankar emphasized.
India’s consistent support for a two-state solution and its contributions toward building Palestinian institutions were also highlighted during the discussions. EAM reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace, stability, and humanitarian efforts in the region.
Security also featured prominently in the dialogue, with a focus on defense cooperation, joint military exercises, and industry collaboration. As the Gulf region occupies a central position in global geopolitics, the ministers discussed the need for strengthening security exchanges to ensure stability in the region. “Progress and prosperity require security to be stronger,” EAM Jaishankar remarked, underscoring the importance of maintaining peace in a world polarized by conflict.
EAM Jaishankar’s post on platform X following the meeting encapsulated the core themes discussed: "Co-chaired the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh. Underlined the key pillars of our partnership: People, Prosperity, Progress, and Security." He added that the adoption of the Joint Action Plan would “provide a pathway for an expanded partnership” in the years ahead.
To sum it up, the first-ever India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue marks a historic moment in the evolution of India’s relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
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