India Pursues Free Trade Deal with Gulf Countries

08 Nov 2023 CW Team

The FTA negotiations between India and Gulf countries are expected to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, leading to substantial economic benefits for both sides. Currently, bilateral trade between India and Gulf countries stands at around $120 billion and is poised for further growth with the conclusion of a comprehensive FTA.

An FTA with the Gulf countries holds several advantages for India. Firstly, it would provide Indian businesses with increased market access, allowing for greater export opportunities and the expansion of key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. Furthermore, it would attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, contributing to job creation and technological advancements.

Additionally, the FTA would foster closer ties between India and Gulf countries, improving geopolitical relations and providing a platform for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and tourism.

India's efforts to forge an FTA with Gulf countries align with its "Look West" policy and the government's commitment to promoting international trade and investment. It also seeks to reduce its dependence on traditional partners and explore new markets for its goods and services.

While negotiations are ongoing, both sides have shown a strong commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that addresses concerns and interests on key issues such as tariff barriers, non-tariff measures, and intellectual property rights protection.

This pursuit of an FTA comes at a time when the global trading landscape is witnessing significant transformations. Many countries are seeking to establish new trade alliances and strengthen existing ones to boost economic growth and reinforce their positions in the global market.

India's focus on fostering stronger economic ties with Gulf countries is strategically important, considering the region's immense economic potential and its significance as a source of energy and investment.

In conclusion, India's proactive stance in pursuing an FTA with Gulf countries underscores its commitment to expanding its economic horizons and strengthening trade ties within the Gulf region. The potential benefits of such an agreement are considerable, opening up new avenues for trade, investment, and collaboration for India and Gulf countries alike.

India is actively engaged in negotiations to establish a free trade agreement (FTA) with Gulf countries, aiming to enhance economic cooperation and strengthen trade ties. This move comes as part of India's broader strategy to diversify its trade partners and expand its economic outreach in the Gulf region. The FTA negotiations between India and Gulf countries are expected to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, leading to substantial economic benefits for both sides. Currently, bilateral trade between India and Gulf countries stands at around $120 billion and is poised for further growth with the conclusion of a comprehensive FTA. An FTA with the Gulf countries holds several advantages for India. Firstly, it would provide Indian businesses with increased market access, allowing for greater export opportunities and the expansion of key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. Furthermore, it would attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, contributing to job creation and technological advancements. Additionally, the FTA would foster closer ties between India and Gulf countries, improving geopolitical relations and providing a platform for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and tourism. India's efforts to forge an FTA with Gulf countries align with its Look West policy and the government's commitment to promoting international trade and investment. It also seeks to reduce its dependence on traditional partners and explore new markets for its goods and services. While negotiations are ongoing, both sides have shown a strong commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that addresses concerns and interests on key issues such as tariff barriers, non-tariff measures, and intellectual property rights protection. This pursuit of an FTA comes at a time when the global trading landscape is witnessing significant transformations. Many countries are seeking to establish new trade alliances and strengthen existing ones to boost economic growth and reinforce their positions in the global market. India's focus on fostering stronger economic ties with Gulf countries is strategically important, considering the region's immense economic potential and its significance as a source of energy and investment. In conclusion, India's proactive stance in pursuing an FTA with Gulf countries underscores its commitment to expanding its economic horizons and strengthening trade ties within the Gulf region. The potential benefits of such an agreement are considerable, opening up new avenues for trade, investment, and collaboration for India and Gulf countries alike.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

Real Estate

29 Jul 2026

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Equipment

29 Jul 2026

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..