New Delhi, Feb. 6 -- India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Thursday signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for negotiations for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), formally launching the negotiation process.

The ToR was signed at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary and Chief Negotiator, Department of Commerce, and Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi, Chief Negotiator, Secretariat General, GCC.

Framework for Negotiations

The ToR will guide the FTA negotiations by defining their scope, structure and modalities. Officials said the agreement aims to deepen economic engagement and provide a structured pathway for expanding trade and investment ties between India and the GCC.

Addressing the event, Commerce and Indus...