India and GCC Strengthen Ties with Landmark Foreign Ministers' Meeting

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visits Saudi Arabia for the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers' meeting. The meeting aims to enhance institutional cooperation between India and GCC countries. Jaishankar also plans bilateral meetings and visits to significant cultural sites during his three-nation tour, including Germany and Switzerland.

In a significant diplomatic move, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Riyadh on Sunday to participate in the first-ever India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

This visit marks the beginning of Jaishankar's three-nation tour, which will also take him to Germany and Switzerland.

''Arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to take part in the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Thank Abdulmajeed Al Smari, Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs for the warm reception,'' Jaishankar announced on X.

The GCC, an influential bloc comprising the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, saw its trade volume with India reach USD 184.46 billion in the 2022-23 financial year.

During his stay in Riyadh, Jaishankar visited the Saudi National Museum and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, emphasizing India's deep historical connections with Saudi Arabia which serve as a foundation for contemporary relationships. He is also set to hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of several GCC member countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi highlighted that India and the GCC enjoy a multifaceted relationship, encompassing trade, investment, energy, cultural, and people-to-people ties.

''The GCC region has emerged as a major trading partner for India and is home to a large Indian expatriate community numbering around 8.9 million,'' the MEA stated.

From Riyadh, Jaishankar will proceed to Germany for discussions with German Foreign Minister and other key government officials to review the comprehensive bilateral relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)