RIYADH, Sep 8: Shri Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV&OIA), visited Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on September 7–8, 2025, to participate in the India–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Political Dialogue. During his visit, he held extensive discussions with Dr. Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg, Assistant Secretary General (ASG) for Political Affairs and Negotiations of the GCC. He was accompanied by Shri Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf).

India and GCC countries enjoy historically close and friendly relations, strengthened by robust trade ties and deep people-to-people connections. Nearly 10 million Indians live in the GCC region, contributing to its economy and serving as a vital link between the two sides. Bilateral trade and investment continue to grow, with total trade reaching approximately USD 178 billion in FY 2024–25. The partnership has expanded significantly in recent years across key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, health, technology, and culture.

During the meeting, Secretary Chatterjee and ASG Aluwaisheg reviewed the implementation of the India–GCC Joint Action Plan (JAP) 2024–2028, adopted at the first Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue held in Riyadh on September 8–9, 2024. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across the JAP’s priority areas, including political dialogue, security, trade and investment, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, health, culture, and education. Both sides agreed to enhance high-level engagements, expand joint initiatives, and deepen cooperation. The dialogue also provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

In a separate bilateral meeting, Secretary Chatterjee met with Dr. Raja M. Marzoqi, General Coordinator for Negotiations and Head of the GCC Negotiating Team. Both sides emphasized the importance of the proposed India–GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and agreed to commence negotiations at the earliest opportunity. They also explored new avenues to further strengthen trade and investment ties.

Secretary Chatterjee also attended a reception hosted by the Embassy of India and the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia. Addressing the gathering, he praised the invaluable contribution of the Indian community to strengthening India–Saudi Arabia relations and acknowledged their role in the Kingdom’s economic development. He also expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its continued support and care for the welfare of the Indian diaspora.