India, Six-Nation Gulf Bloc Set to Launch FTA Negotiations
Terms of reference to be signed as New Delhi seeks deeper economic engagement with the six-nation regional bloc.
New Delhi, Feb 05 : India is preparing to restart negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), signalling a fresh push to expand its economic footprint in the strategically important West Asian region.
The six-member grouping Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain is expected to sign the terms of reference on Thursday. The document will define the framework, scope and modalities for the proposed pact. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is slated to be present at the signing.
The move follows India’s recent progress on trade arrangements with major global partners and reflects its broader strategy to strengthen supply chains and boost exports. New Delhi already operates under a comprehensive trade agreement with the UAE and has concluded a similar deal with Oman, further reinforcing its commercial ties with the Gulf.
Talks between India and the GCC date back nearly two decades, with negotiation rounds held in 2006 and 2008. However, discussions stalled after the bloc chose to defer further engagement, leaving the proposed agreement in limbo until now.
The revival of dialogue is expected to open new opportunities for investment and market access while enhancing cooperation across key sectors, marking another step in India’s evolving trade diplomacy.
