India, GCC stress dialogue, stability and supply chain resilience amid regional tensions

April 10, 2026 9:24 PM

India, GCC stress dialogue, stability and supply chain resilience amid regional tensions

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability, resilient supply chains, and stronger economic cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a virtual meeting with Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to discuss key regional and economic issues. During the interaction, Goyal welcomed the recently announced ceasefire in the regio...

GCC calls for inclusion in US-Iran talks as gulf concerns grow over strike pause

March 27, 2026 2:43 PM

GCC calls for inclusion in US-Iran talks as gulf concerns grow over strike pause

GCC countries are calling for direct involvement in upcoming U.S.-Iran talks as concern grows over President Donald Trump’s decision to extend the pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure until April 6. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said Gulf states should be included in negotiations to help safeguard regional stability, amid fears that the diplomatic window could allow Tehran to strengthen its position in the Strait of Hormuz while missile and drone threats remain unre...

GCC Intensifies Defence Coordination After Drone and Missile Attacks Escalate Regional Crisis

March 12, 2026 7:29 PM

GCC Intensifies Defence Coordination After Drone and Missile Attacks Escalate Regional Crisis

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are intensifying coordination after a series of attacks that have pushed the region into one of its most serious security crises in decades. Officials say the bloc has shifted from diplomatic mediation to a posture of active defence following the escalation that began on the twenty-eighth of February. Since then, several member states have reported waves of drone and missile attacks targeting strategic infrastructure and urban areas, raising concerns abou...

India, Gulf Cooperation Council sign terms of reference for Free Trade Agreement

February 5, 2026 10:42 PM

India, Gulf Cooperation Council sign terms of reference for Free Trade Agreement

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Thursday signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant step towards deepening economic ties between the two sides. The ToR was signed at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary and Chief Negotiator at the Department of Commerce, and Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi, Chief Negotiator of the GCC Secretariat General. The signing took place in the presence of Union Comm...

GCC forces take part as Gulf Shield 2026 begins in Saudi Arabia

January 5, 2026 10:15 AM

GCC forces take part as Gulf Shield 2026 begins in Saudi Arabia

Gulf Cooperation Council forces have begun a major joint military exercise in Saudi Arabia aimed at strengthening collective defence and improving regional military coordination. The Saudi ministry of defence said the exercise, titled “Gulf Shield 2026,” brings together forces from all GCC member states, to enhance combat readiness and deepen joint operational integration. It said the drills are designed to improve coordination among participating forces and to raise the efficiency of joint...

GCC Launches One-Stop Travel System with UAE-Bahrain Pilot in December

November 14, 2025 8:28 AM

GCC Launches One-Stop Travel System with UAE-Bahrain Pilot in December

The Gulf Cooperation Council has approved a landmark one-stop travel system designed to streamline movement across member states, with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain selected to pilot the initiative starting in December 2025. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi announced the development during the 42nd meeting of interior ministers in Kuwait City, confirming the trial will initially apply to air travel between the two countries. The new system will allow Gulf citizens to complet...

India negotiating FTA with GCC and Qatar: MEA

February 18, 2025 7:59 PM

India negotiating FTA with GCC and Qatar: MEA

India is actively negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and exploring a similar pact with Qatar, aiming to deepen bilateral ties and boost cooperation in trade, energy, investment, and security. The development was announced during a special briefing on the state visit of the Amir of Qatar to India. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee said, “India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are currently nego...

India set to become ‘GCC Capital of the World’

January 16, 2025 3:38 PM

India set to become ‘GCC Capital of the World’

India is poised to become the ‘GCC Capital of the World,’ with 1,700 global capability centres (GCCs) employing over two million people — a figure expected to grow significantly by 2030, the government announced on Thursday. GCCs are at the forefront of adopting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, robotic process automation, digital commerce, cybersecurity, blockchain, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Union Minister of Labour and Employment Dr...

UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council countries celebrating Eid Al Fitr on April 10

April 10, 2024 10:03 AM

UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council countries celebrating Eid Al Fitr on April 10

The United Arab Emirates, along with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and many Arab nations, have officially declared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr. This joyous occasion marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan for millions of Muslims across the region. The announcement comes after the Shawwal crescent moon, signifying the end of fasting, was not visible on Monday evening. Eid festivities will be ushered in with a long weekend for UAE public ...