Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's recent visit to Kuwait, currently the chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with which India has been negotiating a Free Trade Agreement for the past several years, was significant in the bilateral context and its broader regional connotations. It reflected India's keen desire to expand and strengthen its multidimensional relationship with this vital region, which has traditionally been a dependable partner in India's quest for energy security and accounts for almost 35% of its oil and 70% of its gas imports.
GCC is India's largest trading partner bloc, with trade amounting to over $162 billion in FY 2023-24. Next comes the European Union (EU) with $135.31 billion and the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) with $120.88 billion. Over 8.8 million Indian citizens employed in the Gulf countries send over $40 billion in remittances, contributing significantly to India's economy.
This story is from the January 03, 2025 edition of Hindustan Times Punjab.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 03, 2025 edition of Hindustan Times Punjab.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Change Marks Tragic End For The Biden Presidency
All political lives end in tragedy.
Lakshya needs to find ways to get over the line: Vimal
After losing the India Open first round to Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei last week, Lakshya Sen had said that it \"just wasn't his day\".
India Set To Host 2025 Fide World Cup From Oct 31
India is all set to host possibly the most important chess tournament of the year, the Fide World Cup.
Life in prison for RG Kar hospital rapist, murderer
Strongly feel it is a heinous crime... We will plead for capital punishment of the convict at the High Court now MAMATA BANERJEE, West Bengal chief minister
5 Cops Guilty of Accused's Death in Custody in Badlapur: Probe
Parents of the Accused Had Raised Doubts on the Police's Claims of Opening Fire in Self-Defence in Sept Last Year
Donald Trump 2.0 and the limits of CEO as president
Donald J Trump has officially become the 47th President of the United States (US).
Canada-Based Designated Terrorist Goldy Brar's Aide Gangster Rohit Godara Had Claimed Responsibility for the December 10 Explosions
Anti-terror agency NIA has registered a case to probe two crude bomb explosions outside two nightclubs in Gurugram, official sources said on Monday.
Trump and the world: What lies ahead
President Donald J Trump has articulated a wide set of political and policy interests and picked an ideologically committed and personally loyal set of personnel to implement his agenda.
No Urgent Hearing of Plea Against AAP Sop
The Delhi high court on Monday declined to advance the hearing date on a petition seeking to halt further registration under the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) \"Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana,\" under which women were promised ₹2,100 monthly aid if the party secured power in the upcoming Delhi elections.
Ambulance doors get stuck, woman being rushed to hospital dies
A 43-year-old woman died due to suffocation after the doors of an ambulance she was being rushed to a hospital after she attempted suicide got stuck for about 20 minutes, officials said on Monday.
