Senior policymakers, diplomats, business leaders and experts from India and the GCC will discuss steps to further enhance strategic and economic ties between them at the Kochi Dialogue 2026.

With India–GCC bilateral trade reaching $178.63 billion in FY 2025–26, representing 14.68% of India’s global trade, and cumulative GCC investments in India standing at $31.58 billion as of March 2026, the relationship between India and the Gulf is entering an increasingly important phase of economic and strategic cooperation.

Against this backdrop, the second edition of Kochi Dialogue 2026 will be held from November 18–20 in Kochi, India.

Organised by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), in collaboration with the Policy Planning and Research (PP&R) Division of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the three-day Track 1.5 diplomacy platform will provide an opportunity to explore practical pathways for strengthening India–GCC relations, with a particular focus on investment, trade, energy, maritime connectivity, technology and innovation.

Kirti Vardhan Singh, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, will address the gathering on November 18.

Building a more integrated India–GCC partnership

While energy and trade have traditionally been at the heart of India–GCC relations, the partnership is increasingly expanding into new areas of mutual opportunity. These include technology and digital transformation, renewable energy, green hydrogen, infrastructure, logistics, education and innovation.

The dialogue will explore how India and GCC countries can move beyond conventional trading relationships towards deeper collaboration through co-investment, technology transfer, stronger supply chains and greater private-sector engagement.

With the GCC collectively accounting for a substantial share of India’s energy imports and approximately nine million Indians living across the Gulf, the relationship is also underpinned by significant economic, social and people-to-people connections.

The discussions will focus on five key areas:

● Trade, Investment and Capital Flows: Identifying opportunities for GCC investment in India’s growth sectors, strengthening business partnerships and facilitating cross-border investment.

● Energy Security and Green Transition: Exploring cooperation in conventional and renewable energy, green hydrogen and emerging clean technologies.

● Strategic Security and Maritime Cooperation: Addressing regional stability, maritime security and the protection of vital shipping and trade routes across the Indian Ocean and Gulf regions.

● Connectivity, Ports and Logistics: Examining opportunities to strengthen maritime and aviation connectivity, port infrastructure and supply-chain integration, including the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

● Technology, Education and Innovation: Exploring collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, higher education, research and skills development.

A platform for regional dialogue and cooperation

Operating under the theme “Towards an Innovative and Integrated India–GCC Partnership,” Kochi Dialogue 2026 aims to bridge government leadership, policy research institutions and the private sector, encouraging discussions that can translate into meaningful areas of cooperation.

The inaugural edition, held in January 2025, featured Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and brought together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, academics and strategic experts from India and the GCC.

Building on this foundation, the 2026 edition seeks to deepen institutional and diplomatic engagement while creating opportunities for stronger business and investment connections between the two regions.

Kochi’s longstanding maritime, commercial and cultural links with the Gulf provide a fitting setting for the dialogue, reflecting centuries of connections between India and the Arabian Peninsula.

Through the participation of representatives from across the region, Kochi Dialogue 2026 seeks to advance a forward-looking partnership that responds to shared economic priorities and emerging regional opportunities. – TradeArabia News Service