Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed India’s solidarity with the GCC countries – UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia – and assured its support in addressing any challenges in the supply chain of essential foodstuffs amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
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The Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Friday that Goyal expressed, in a virtual call with the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, his hope that the ceasefire declared in the region would be permanent and would pave the way for lasting peace and stability.
Goyal, who is currently the BJP in-charge for the state assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, also reached out to other GCC members like the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait through virtual mode. The Gulf Cooperation Council countries are of great importance as India and the bloc negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA), and the bloc is the largest energy supplier to India.
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Goyal’s virtual meetings came at a time when India is intensely engaging with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with two ministers holding physical meetings with members of the bloc taking advantage of a two-week cessation of hostilities between Iran, the US and Israel. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had already visited Qatar on April 9 and 10, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will head to the UAE on Saturday.
In his virtual conversation with UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Goyal conveyed India’s unequivocal support for the UAE while condemning the recent attacks in the country. He thanked him for his continued assistance to the Indian diaspora amid the recurring uncertainty. India and the UAE signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in 2022.
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“India and the UAE emphasize restoring stability and supply chain continuity and deepening the economic partnership,” the ministry statement said.
During the meeting, Goyal stressed the importance of strong trade flows in ensuring strong economic relations between the two countries. The two sides noted the pressure on regional supply chains and stressed coordinated efforts to ensure smooth trade flows.
Goyal expressed appreciation for the proactive logistics measures taken by the UAE, including opening alternative routes and multimodal transport, while highlighting India’s renewed steps to support exporters and ensure continuity of the country’s essential supplies.
During his conversation with Al Budawi, Goyal expressed appreciation for the measures taken to enhance logistics services and explore alternative ways to maintain flexibility, and both sides stressed the need for coordinated efforts to ensure smooth trade flows.
