THE GCC STATES AND INDIA RELATIONS (THE RELATIONS BETWEEN GCC STATES AND INDIA)

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) came into being by an agreement signed on 25 May 1981 in Saudi Arabia among six countries namely as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE in view of their special relations and their common objectives, and thereby to enhance their cooperation. The importance of Gulf Cooperation Council as a collective entity has crucial significance for India. Through Arabian sea India has constituted the “immediate” neighborhood with the GCC States. Therefore, India plays a vital role in the stability, security and economic well-being of the Gulf. As a group, the GCC determines the economic, political, and security policies of its member States. The GCC States are moving ahead rapidly with their economic progress and advantages. Now, the GCC has turned as a major trading partner for India; it also has vast potential as India’s investment partner for the future. The GCC’s substantial oil and gas reserves are of important necessities for India’s supplied energies. The GCC countries are collectively host to a large Indian expatriate community. In short, the GCC offers tremendous potential for cooperation in trade, investment, energy and manpower.