India and GCC Review Free Trade Agreement in Riyadh

The Government of India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) met in Riyadh on August 24, 2026, to review negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Vipul and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi focused on strengthening bilateral relations and coordinating preparations for a ministerial meeting scheduled for next month.

These discussions follow a resumption of FTA talks in February, which had been temporarily stalled in June due to the West Asia crisis. The dialogue is guided by Terms of Reference signed in February and the India-GCC Joint Action Plan 2024-2028, which addresses security, energy, food security, and trade.

The GCC remains India's largest trading partner bloc, with bilateral trade totaling approximately USD 178.56 billion in FY 2024-25. This economic relationship is further supported by a diaspora of nearly 10 million Indians living within the GCC region. Beyond trade, both parties affirmed the necessity of continued coordination regarding regional security and stability.