New Delhi, Feb. 24 -- India and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Tuesday signed the joint statement on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) formally launching negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial agreement.

The joint statement was signed by India's Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi.

Taking it to social media platform X, Goyal said, "Delighted to welcome H.E. Jasem Mohammad Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, @GCCSG. We signed the Joint Statement for the India-GCC FTA, building on the Terms of Reference signed on February 5, 2026, formally launching negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually benefi...