New Delhi, Jun 11 (FN Bureau) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a round table meeting with India’s Ambassadors in the six Gulf Cooperation Council nations and Iran, in which he asked the envoys to push the country’s trade interests in the region that would contribute to the economic recovery at home.
Jaishankar chaired a meeting with India’s Ambassadors in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain, and also Iran on Thursday. The discussions focused on: issues concerning India’s post-pandemic economic recovery and welfare of the Indian community in their respective jurisdiction. He asked the envoys to intercede for the early return of Indian talent and skills who left the Gulf during the pandemic and facilitate reuniting of families separated by the Covid disruption. He also asked them to see that flights to Gulf destinations are resumed speedily to help the NRIs.
“Confident that our Ambassadors and Embassies will deliver on these priorities,” said the EAM in a tweet later. India’s relations with the countries of the region which New Delhi sees as its “immediate” neighbourhood has seen a significant upswing in recent years under the Narendra Modi government. While the countries’ substantial hydrocarbon resources have been important to India’s energy needs, the region has emerged as a major trading and investment partner. The GCC countries are host to a large Indian expatriate community. The areas for cooperation have widened to security and other strategic interests.