India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Troika held their annual Political Dialogue on November 3, 2020 in virtual mode.
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Highlights
The Indian Delegation was led by the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar while, the GCC was represented at the Troika-level by Secretary General of GCC, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, UAE. Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar also participated in the dialogue.
About the dialogue
The leaders from India and GCC held a detailed review of their ties. They appreciated the upward trajectory that their ties is witnessing since last few years. The leaders showed their satisfaction over close cooperation between India and GCC countries even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
India-GCC during Covid-19
India ensured that the supply chains from India to the Gulf are not disrupted amid the lockdowns during the pandemic. The GCC countries took care of the large Indian diaspora in their countries. India ensured the return of Indian health professionals to GCC countries, supply of medicines and essential items during the pandemic. Both the countries established a stainable travel bubble arrangements between them. Apart from that, the GCC welcomed India’s inclusion to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member from January 2021.
Road Ahead
India and The GCC agreed to continue their commitment so as to reform the multilateral institutions. Both the sides agreed to work together to address challenges including Covid-19 pandemic, Terrorism, climate change and sustainable development.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
It is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union. The council comprise of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf namely, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Iraq is not the part of council. The Charter to establish the GCC was signed on 25 May 1981.