India Supports GCC in Food Supply Chain Challenges
New Delhi: India has expressed its continued support to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as they tackle issues related to the supply chain for essential food items. During a virtual meeting with Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, the Secretary General of the GCC, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, praised the initiatives being taken to enhance logistics and find alternative routes to ensure a stable supply.
The GCC comprises six countries: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. This partnership is significant for India, with bilateral trade reaching $178.56 billion in the fiscal year 2025, making up 15.42% of India’s total international trade.
In a statement, Goyal expressed his hope that the recent ceasefire in the region would last, bringing long-term peace and stability. Both parties acknowledged the importance of working together to maintain smooth trade operations.
Goyal’s discussions also included virtual talks with various ministers, including Abdulla Bin Adel Fakhro from Bahrain, Osama Khaled Boodai from Kuwait, and Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi from the UAE. The talks with Kuwait centered around exploring trade opportunities and strengthening their strategic partnership.
During these meetings, there was a shared agreement that dialogue and diplomacy are vital in resolving disruptions to energy supplies and trade flows. Goyal reassured Kuwait of India’s readiness to assist in addressing supply chain challenges, particularly concerning food security.
Furthermore, in his conversation with Bahrain’s minister, Goyal highlighted the need to ensure reliable trade routes through maritime and other means in the region. He welcomed the ceasefire and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support the region’s security, including maritime safety.
India is also in negotiations with the GCC for a comprehensive free trade agreement. Notably, the GCC is home to nearly ten million Indian nationals, strengthening the ties between India and the Gulf nations.
