The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Ausaf Sayeed of the Indian foreign ministry department responsible for consular affairs, passports, visas, and Indian affairs abroad, while Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg, the GCC’s assistant secretary-general for political and negotiation affairs, headed the council’s representatives.

Aluwaisheg said members discussed political and regional security issues, and ways to improve strategic dialogue and cooperation following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in September.

He added that matters related to a framework agreement for economic, commercial, investment, and technical cooperation, that concluded in 2004, were also on the agenda.

On the sidelines of the meeting, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi held talks with Sayeed on strengthening Gulf-Indian relations in all fields, enhancing strategic political and security dialogue, and further developing economic and cultural cooperation.