External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Saudi and Qatari counterparts during the inaugural India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers’ meeting held in Riyadh on Monday. The discussions centered around bolstering bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation, especially in trade and regional security.
Jaishankar, who arrived in Riyadh for a two-day visit, first engaged with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The two reviewed the progress of India-Saudi relations, which have seen significant growth, particularly in the areas of trade, energy cooperation, and investments. Both leaders expressed their commitment to further deepening these ties, and Jaishankar extended an invitation to Al Saud to visit India.
Simultaneously, the minister held a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The dialogue highlighted the importance of India-Qatar relations, particularly in sectors such as business, energy, and culture. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Qatar’s role in regional developments, particularly its diplomatic efforts.
This meeting comes at a time when India is strengthening its ties with the GCC, an influential bloc comprising Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. India’s trade with GCC nations reached USD 184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23, reflecting the increasing significance of this relationship.
Jaishankar’s visit is also part of a broader three-nation tour, with stops in Germany and Switzerland aimed at enhancing India’s global engagement. The discussions at the GCC meeting reflect India’s strategic focus on the Gulf region, as it continues to build stronger economic, cultural, and political partnerships.
 foreign ministers' meeting held in Riyadh on Monday. The discussions centered around bolstering bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation, especially in trade and regional security.){kind=link}