India and GCC Forge Stronger Ties: H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi to Address Kochi Dialogue 2025
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and India are set to deepen their strategic partnership at the inaugural edition of the Kochi Dialogue 2025, scheduled to take place on January 16-17, 2025. Organised by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), a Kochi-based think tank, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, this event marks a significant milestone in fostering India-GCC relations.
A Landmark Event in Track 1.5 Diplomacy
The Secretary General of the GCC, H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, will deliver a special address at the event. His presence underscores the GCC’s commitment to enhancing its collaboration with India, one of the region’s key strategic partners. As the first-ever Track 1.5 Dialogue focusing on India-GCC relations to be held in Kerala, the Kochi Dialogue 2025 aims to create a platform for dialogue between policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, and other stakeholders.
Theme: India’s Look West Policy in Action
The dialogue, centred on the theme ‘India’s Look West Policy in Action: People, Prosperity, and Progress,’ seeks to address key areas of cooperation and explore actionable strategies to strengthen India-GCC ties. The event’s agenda is structured around five pivotal themes:
-
Trade, Economy, and Investments: Discussions will focus on boosting bilateral trade, simplifying processes to enhance the ease of doing business, and promoting investments across diverse sectors.
-
Maritime Strategic Partnerships: Experts will deliberate on bolstering maritime security cooperation and addressing shared strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
-
Education, Healthcare, and Technology: Collaborative opportunities in education, healthcare, and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and smart city development will take center stage.
-
Diaspora Connect: Recognising the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in the GCC, the dialogue will address challenges faced by expatriates while leveraging their role in economic growth and cultural diplomacy.
-
Energy Cooperation and Innovation: With a focus on sustainable development, discussions will explore expanding energy collaborations in traditional and renewable sectors, including advancements in green hydrogen technology.
Strengthening India-GCC Relations
The Kochi Dialogue 2025 aims to create a robust framework for people-to-people connections, economic collaborations, and shared progress. By addressing these critical themes, the event aspires to solidify the foundations for a prosperous and enduring partnership between India and the GCC.
A New Era of Cooperation
As India’s Look West Policy gains momentum, the Kochi Dialogue 2025 represents a pivotal step in realising its vision. By fostering meaningful discussions and actionable partnerships, the event seeks to contribute to the shared goals of regional stability, economic growth, and mutual prosperity.
Stay tuned for updates from Kochi Dialogue 2025 as it unfolds in Kerala, heralding a new chapter in India-GCC relations.
Related Posts