India and Gulf Council Sign Terms of Reference for Free Trade Agreement

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were signed between Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary and Chief Negotiator, Department of Commerce and Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi, Chief Negotiator, Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, on 5 February 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The signing took place in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Jitin Prasada, and Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal.

The ToRs will guide the negotiations for the GCC-India FTA by defining its scope and modalities.

During the signing ceremony, Piyush Goyal emphasized that the FTA will be a force multiplier for the global good. He underlined that the FTA will bring predictability and stability, taking the relationship between the two sides to greater heights. He exuded confidence that FTA will enable seamless flow of goods, and services and attract investments while expanding job opportunities and fostering food and energy security for the region, elevating our deep economic ties.

Chief Negotiator, Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Dr. Al Marzouqi, underscored that GCC and India have shared historic trade relations and that the signing of ToRs marks the commencement of negotiations towards a mutually beneficial FTA. He highlighted that the FTA will further reinforce relations between India and GCC, particularly in the context of prevailing global uncertainties.

During his visit, Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi met with Rajesh Agrawal. The discussion focused on bolstering overall economic partnership between India and the GCC and advancing cooperation in the areas of mutual interest.

(UPDATED ON 5TH FEBRUARY 2026)