New York:The joint GCC-India ministerial meeting took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was attended by Jassem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as foreign ministers from the GCC and India.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council, chaired the meeting on behalf of the GCC, while Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, chaired on behalf of India. Dr. Al Zayani emphasized the longstanding partnership between the GCC and India, citing historical ties, people-to-people connections, and a mutual commitment to regional security and stability.
Dr. Al Zayani noted the recent developments that have underscored the partnership's importance, particularly India's support for GCC countries during Iranian attacks and for UN Security Council Resolution 2817. He highlighted the shared interest in the security of the Arabian Gulf and its maritime routes, emphasizing the importance of GCC-India cooperation in ensuring freedom of navigation as per the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Economic relations between the GCC and India were also discussed, with Dr. Al Zayani welcoming the commencement of free trade agreement negotiations and expressing hope for their swift conclusion. He highlighted progress in energy, health, agriculture, and food security, advocating for the expansion of the joint action plan into other areas of mutual interest.
The meeting also addressed discussions on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, focusing on its potential to enhance connectivity. The strategic partnership review included discussions on expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation, as well as regional developments like the disruption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandab, impacting energy and food supplies and international trade. Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and explored ways to enhance coordination in international forums for security, stability, and development.
Ambassadors Jamal Fares Al Rowaie, Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, and Saeed Abdulkhaliq Saeed were also present at the meeting.