India, Gulf Cooperation Council adopt Action Plan for joint activities across sectors

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held their inaugural Foreign Ministers meeting in Riyadh, where they adopted a Joint Action Plan for 2024-2028. This plan encompasses various collaborative activities in health, trade, agriculture, food security, transportation, energy, and culture. The plan allows for additional cooperative areas based on mutual agreement.

External Affairs Minister Mr. S. Jaishankar, addressing the meeting, advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He reaffirmed India's consistent position on the Palestinian issue, advocating for a 2-state solution and expressing support for humanitarian principles amidst the conflict. He emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between India and the GCC, highlighting the importance of their historical, cultural, and economic ties. He also noted the GCC's significance as India’s "extended" neighbourhood and appreciated their support for the large Indian diaspora. The meeting reviewed the positive trajectory in India-GCC relations. It underscored the importance of security and cooperation in a multipolar world. He also engaged with the foreign ministers of GCC states, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the Brazilian Foreign Minister, discussing bilateral and regional issues, including the Prime Minister's visit to Ukraine.

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