India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have formally launched negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two regions.
The development came as India welcomed H.E. Jasem Mohammad Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, for high-level discussions aimed at deepening strategic and economic engagement.
During the visit, both sides signed the Joint Statement for the India–GCC FTA, building on the Terms of Reference that were agreed upon on February 5, 2026. The signing formally initiates negotiations for a broad-based and mutually beneficial trade pact.
The proposed agreement is expected to cover a wide range of areas, including trade in goods, customs procedures and trade facilitation, services, digital trade, emerging and cutting-edge technologies, as well as enhanced investment flows. The FTA aims to unlock new growth opportunities and create a more predictable and transparent trade environment between India and the six GCC member states — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
Officials described the launch of negotiations as a major step towards strengthening economic integration and fostering resilient supply chains across the region. The agreement is also expected to boost bilateral trade volumes, encourage cross-border investments, and enhance cooperation in innovation-driven sectors.
The India–GCC FTA negotiations signal a shared commitment to expanding economic partnership and reinforcing long-term collaboration between India and the Gulf region, which remains one of India’s most important trade and investment partners.
