On Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a crucial element in the global energy supply and emphasized its pivotal role in future energy demands. Speaking at the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue, Jaishankar noted that India has become one of the world’s fastest-growing markets and will be a major source of future global demand.

Jaishankar stated, “The GCC is a cornerstone of the global energy supply. India, as one of the largest and fastest-growing markets, will account for a significant portion of future demand. Our deeper collaboration will aid in stabilizing markets, driving innovation, and enhancing energy security.”

He also spoke about the broad scope of the India-GCC partnership, which extends beyond mere transactions to encompass trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. Jaishankar emphasized that the relationship is rooted in a rich history, culture, and shared values, saying, “Our meeting today is not just about reflecting on past achievements but about setting an ambitious course for the future. The India-GCC partnership spans various sectors including economics, energy, defense, technology, education, and people-to-people ties.”

He introduced the concept of the “three Ps” – People, Prosperity, and Progress – as the framework for their relationship, highlighting the importance of people-to-people connections as the foundation of their partnership. Jaishankar noted the importance of ongoing interactions in driving mutual prosperity, stating, “Our interactions are key to driving prosperity for both the GCC and India. Trade has expanded not only in volume but also in diversity, contributing to economic growth and job creation.”

Jaishankar also addressed India’s position on the Gaza conflict, calling it a major concern for India. He reiterated India’s commitment to global peace and stability, saying, “The Gulf region is central to contemporary geopolitics. In a polarized world, we are committed to global peace, security, and stability. The situation in Gaza is our foremost concern. India’s position is principled and consistent; we condemn terrorism and hostage-taking and are deeply pained by the loss of innocent lives. We advocate for a ceasefire as soon as possible and support a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian issue.”

Jaishankar arrived in Riyadh on Sunday for the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which took place on September 8-9. He was welcomed by Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs, Abdulmajeed Al Smari.