From Energy Dependence to Economic Interdependence: Reframing India-Arab Trade Relations

On 5th February 2026, Union Commerce Minister announced that India has signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a potential FTA with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), aiming to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two sides.

For decades, trade relations between India and the Arab world were defined primarily by energy dependence. However, the relationship has gradually evolved beyond a buyer-seller framework into a broader economic interdependence characterised by investment flows, technology partnerships, infrastructure collaboration and strategic convergence.

Current Trade Dynamics of India with Arab

  • Current Scale: FY 2024-25 bilateral trade hit $178.56 billion (15.42% of India's global ....
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