New Delhi, Nov 10 (FN Agency) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday held talks with Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), during which the two undertook a detailed review of the India-GCC relations and on ways to enhance them. During the talks, Jaishankar hoped for further easing of restrictions by GCC countries on air travel from India and on mutual recognition of vaccination certificates. Both sides decided to convene the next India-GCC Troika Political Dialogue at an early date. The last round of the Dialogue was held virtually in November 2020. Both sides also agreed to further institutionalize the annual meetings between EAM and GCC Troika by signing an MOU in the coming months. The GCC chief is on his first official visit to India on November 10-11. Both leaders recalled the historic and friendly India-GCC relations, which have seen robust progress in recent years, said an official statement.
GCC Secretary General lauded the contribution of the Indian community to the Gulf countries and said that GCC wants to be a partner of India in its economic growth. EAM Jaishankar thanked the GCC countries for taking care of the large Indian diaspora in their countries during the Covid-19 pandemic and medical assistance provided during the second wave in India in April-May 2021. He also apprised the Secretary General of the progress made by India in its vaccination programme. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at India-GCC cooperation in handling the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. Both leaders also discussed trade and investment relations between India and GCC. They expressed satisfaction that essential trade between India and GCC continued even during the Covid lockdowns. Both sides agreed on the need for further securing supply chains, including in the areas of energy security, food security and health care. EAM highlighted India’s attractiveness as a destination for FDI, including for sovereign wealth funds in GCC countries, the statement said. The two also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. EAM congratulated Secretary General for the constructive role played by GCC in promoting stability and prosperity in the region. Al-Hajraf will also hold discussions with Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday.
Jaishankar in a tweet said: “A detailed review of India-GCC relations with Secretary General @GCCSG Dr. Al-Hajraf. “Discussed our growing political, trade and investment relationship. “Agreed to convene the next India-GCC Troika Political Dialogue at an early date. “Also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.” The Gulf Cooperation Council is a regional, intergovernmental political and economic union that consists of six members Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Set up in 1981, its objectives are to enhance coordination, integration and inter-connection among its members. All GCC members are also members of the Arab League. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are prominent members of the OPEC.