Gulf region became integral part of India’s Extended neighbourhood

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It was highlighted in a report published by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies.

Extended Neighbourhood is defined in geographical terms. It includes countries in the Indian Ocean Region, East Africa, Gulf Region, Central Asian Region and in south-east Asia.

Strategic convergence in relation with Gulf Region

Economic: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is India’s largest regional bloc trading partner.
Energy security: India imported 55.3% of its total crude oil in 2022–23 from the Gulf region.
Regional geo-economic and connectivity focus: Engagement in various groups like I2U2 (India, Israel, United Arab Emirates, United States), India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), etc.
Defence and security cooperation: Such as securing maritime lines of communication from pirates.
Welfare of Indian diaspora: More than 8 million Indians (or people of Indian origin) working in and around this region.

Hamas-Israel war and the Red Sea attacks on Indian ships by Yemen’s houthis.
Growing engagement of Gulf countries with China.

Established: In 1981.
Members: 6 Gulf states (UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait)
Objectives: To have coordination, integration and interconnection between Member States in all fields.
Organisational Structure
- The Supreme Council is composed of the head of the states, and is the highest authority.
- Ministerial Council consisting of foreign ministers.