India's Goyal Holds Virtual Talks with Gulf Ministers on Trade

India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal conducted a series of virtual meetings this week with trade counterparts from several Gulf nations, focusing on mitigating trade disruptions caused by recent regional conflicts in West Asia and advancing bilateral economic ties. The discussions, held between April 10 and 11, 2026, involved ministers from Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, as well as the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

In one key conversation on Monday, Goyal spoke with Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, Anwar bin Hilal bin Hamdoun Al Jabri. The two leaders explored ways to activate the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in Muscat in December 2025 but not yet in effect. "Held a telecall with HE Anwar bin Hilal bin Hamdoun Al Jabri... Discussed unlocking opportunities under the India-Oman CEPA to boost bilateral trade and investment ties for the mutual growth of both nations," Goyal stated in a social media post. The agreement aims to grant duty-free access to 98 percent of India's exports to Oman, including textiles, agricultural products, and leather...