Riyadh/New Delhi, Sep 9 (Reporter) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday co-chaired the first ever India–GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh during which a Joint Action Plan 2024-2028 was adopted for undertaking joint activities in areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security and energy. EAM co-chaired the India–GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue along with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, President of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council. This was the first meeting between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the Foreign Ministers level, and was attended by Foreign Ministers of all the GCC countries and Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, a statement said. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to building on the achievements of this first Ministerial Meeting. EAM highlighted that the Gulf Cooperation Council as a collective entity has vital significance for India and constitutes the "extended” neighborhood of India and thanked the GCC countries for taking care of the large Indian diaspora in their countries. The leaders undertook detailed review of India-GCC ties and appreciated the upward trajectory in ties witnessed in the last few years. EAM and the Foreign Ministers, emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation across a wide range of areas. EAM underscored the significance of the strategic and growing partnership between the Gulf Cooperation Council and India. Through collaborative initiatives in trade, investment, infrastructure development, and people to people ties, this partnership not only bolsters economic growth within the region and India but also contributes to a more stable and prosperous global economy. The meeting also adopted a Joint Action Plan 2024-2028 for undertaking various joint activities in diverse areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. It was also decided that more areas of cooperation can be included in the Joint Action Plan, based on mutual consensus, later on. The meeting also addressed international and regional issues of common interest. In his address, EAM told the GCC countries that the current situation in Gaza where fighting has been raging since October 7 last year is of foremost concern and India supports a ceasefire as soon as possible. He said that India’s position on the Gaza situation “has been principled and consistent”. “While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible.” “On the larger issue, we have consistently stood for a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-State solution. We have also contributed to the building of Palestinian institutions and capacities. Where the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided relief and increased our support to UNRWA,” he said. Touching on the relationship between India and the GCC region, he offered the “framework of 3Ps – People, Prosperity and Progress” to describe it. In a post on X, the EAM said: "Co-chaired the inaugural India – Gulf Cooperation Council Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh. Underlined the key pillars of our partnership: People : the 9 million strong Indian community serves as the bedrock of our friendship. Appreciate efforts for their welfare and comfort. Prosperity : domains of energy, trade, investment, connectivity and technology constitute a unique bond. Our many complementarities and convengence help take it forward. Urged early conclusion of India - GCC FTA. Progress : explored together new partnerships in renewables, innovation, education, health and space. Security : strengthen exchanges, exercises and industry collaboration in Defence. Agreed on a comprehensive Joint Action Plan that would provide a pathway for an expanded partnership. Thank my GCC counterparts and Secretary General for their efforts in ensuring a successful meeting." The EAM visited Riyadh from Sep 8-9, to attend the 1st ever India–GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue...////...