GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL
Corporate offsites, incentive trips make a comeback as companies resume travel plans
Corporate offsites and incentive trips are witnessing a revival as companies resume travel plans. Businesses are now scheduling deferred trips alongside new programmes for enhanced team engagement. Popular destinations include both domestic locations like Goa and international options such as Japan and Thailand. Companies aim to create curated experiences that foster collaboration and learning among employees. The focus remains on building connections and strengthening team culture during these offsites.
India’s FTAs to open access to $85 trillion market; Piyush Goyal urges exporters to go global
India's trade agreements are expected to provide exporters preferential access to markets with a combined GDP of $85 trillion, covering 76% of the global economy, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. He urged businesses to expand internationally, improve product quality and build global brands as India pursues additional trade pacts.
India to emerge as major exporter to China, ASEAN, get edge in US trade pact, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's potential to expand exports to China and ASEAN. Negotiations are underway for a trade pact with the United States that could provide India a comparative advantage. The country is also working towards an Investment Protection Agreement with the European Union. Goyal indicated that discussions for preferential trade agreements are progressing with multiple countries and groups.
Piyush Goyal says India-Chile FTA talks ' quite ripe' for conclusion, Canada negotiations making progress
India is making progress on free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries, with negotiations with Chile nearing conclusion and talks with Canada advancing, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said. Discussions with the Southern African Customs Union have recently begun, while efforts to expand trade arrangements with Mercosur continue. Talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council and Israel remain slow amid the West Asia crisis.
Meet Omar Yaghi, Nobel Prize-winning chemist whose startup Atoco showed how data-centre waste heat could extract water from air, with prototypes producing up to 300 litres a day
It is a California-based startup and is developing technology at a time when the rapid growth of AI is increasing pressure on data centers to manage heat and water consumption. The aim is simple, as it wants to address both problems by using excess heat to help produce water.
Delhi-bound Emirates flight hit by bird strike, Dubai return delayed till October 18; hotel stay arranged for affected passengers
An Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai has been delayed until October 18 after the aircraft encountered a bird strike on arrival in the national capital. Separately, Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until October 24 amid the security situation in West Asia, offering eligible passengers complimentary date changes.
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Saudis intercept Houthi missile in Medina region
A cruise missile was intercepted by the Saudi-led coalition in Medina, which is a significant religious site. The Houthis refuted claims of targeting the region, maintaining their promise to avoid holy cities. Recent attacks by Houthis have increasingly targeted Saudi Arabia, with notable strikes in Riyadh. Consequently, a planned EU-Gulf summit in Riyadh has been postponed due to ongoing tensions.
boAt enters Sri Lanka, Bhutan; says international revenue more than doubled in FY26
boAt has announced its entry into Sri Lanka and Bhutan with a range of personal audio products, smartwatches, and charging solutions. The company aims to understand local consumers and adapt its offerings according to market preferences. In FY26, boAt's international revenue significantly increased, and its wearables business turned profitable. Future plans include expanding in existing markets and evaluating new opportunities across various regions.
RBL Bank taps Emirates NBD network to expand NRI banking, Gulf business
RBL Bank aims to utilize Emirates NBD's global network to expand its corporate and trade finance services. The partnership will enable them to better serve non-resident Indians and cross-border investments. They have mobilized significant deposits and extended loans, indicating promising initial results. RBL Bank plans to explore business opportunities beyond the Gulf into markets like Singapore and Turkey.
Safety of Indian seafarers, tankers raised in Doval's conversation with Iranian counterpart, says MEA
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged in a phone conversation with Mohsen Rezaei regarding regional security concerns. They specifically addressed the safety and security of Indian seafarers and tankers in the Gulf. India condemned recent attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, calling them unacceptable. Discussions regarding potential bilateral trade agreements with the United States were also highlighted.
Five Gulf nations pursue Schengen visa waiver: What travellers should know
Millions of Indians live and work in the Gulf, but a Gulf residence permit does not open Europe's doors visa-free. That distinction is central to a proposal in which Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar seek easier access to the Schengen area for their citizens. With the EU-GCC summit scheduled in Riyadh on October 24, 2026, the initiative could reshape short-term travel between the regions. But who would actually benefit, why is the UAE already ahead, and would Indian expatriates see any change in their own visa requirements?
PM Modi's free trade push could lead to $140 billion GDP gain for India
A more protectionist US could unexpectedly benefit India as New Delhi expands its free-trade agreements (FTAs) to diversify export markets and attract investment. A World Trade Organization-based model estimates that India’s concluded and proposed trade deals, including agreements with the EU and New Zealand, could add about $140 billion to GDP by 2035, lifting it 1.7% above the baseline.
US trade deal to be finalised as 'circumstances have changed': Piyush Goyal
India is reassessing its interim trade agreement framework with the US in light of recent global shifts. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal indicated that negotiations are active with nations like Mexico, the UK, and Canada. Additionally, alternative trade discussions are being held with several countries. The export statistics up to September reflect strong performance, indicating optimistic prospects ahead.
India goes FTA shopping at G20 as Piyush Goyal works the room with a cart full of trade deals
India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is actively engaged in negotiations for several trade agreements at the G20 meeting. Talks with the US include an interim pact and finalizing issues for a broader agreement. Discussions with Canada aim to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of 2026. Existing trade agreements with the UK and Australia are also under review for their implementation and effectiveness.
‘They will simply ghost you’: Dubai entrepreneur says Indian clients ‘don’t know how to be clients’
An Indian entrepreneur based in Dubai has triggered a discussion on client professionalism after describing what she sees as recurring challenges while working with domestic customers. Mahima Jalana cited lengthy sales processes, aggressive price negotiations, micromanagement, delayed payments and expanding demands, while contrasting them with her experiences with clients in the GCC and US.
Jaishankar meets Russia, Iran foreign ministers at UNGA days after Trump signs sanctions law
During the UN General Assembly, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conferred with officials from Russia and Iran, highlighting vital areas like bilateral ties, BRICS collaboration, and the Gulf conflict. He reaffirmed India's focus on energy security in light of recent US sanctions. Furthermore, Jaishankar participated in discussions with the Gulf Cooperation Council to fortify partnerships, alongside co-chairing a dialogue centered on the ramifications of artificial intelligence on maritime security.
India, GCC review cooperation, welcome launch of FTA negotiations at New York meeting
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council held a Troika Ministerial Meeting to review their Joint Action Plan. The meeting included discussions on regional and international issues, including the situation in West Asia. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led the Indian delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade, investment, and cultural ties.
EAM Jaishankar signs UN Convention against Cybercrime on UNGA sidelines
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime on the sidelines of UNGA81, calling it a step towards stronger international cooperation for a safer digital future. He also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and co-chaired an India-GCC meeting that reviewed cooperation and welcomed FTA negotiations.
Trump says Witkoff, Kushner met Iranian officials, shortly after warning he may 'annihilate' Iran
US President Donald Trump met with Iranian officials while attending the UN General Assembly to address ongoing tensions. This engagement follows months of stalled communications after a collapsed ceasefire in June. Trump mentioned a possible meeting with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian during the assembly discussions. Meanwhile, discussions concerning the war with Iran included meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders.
G4 countries call for immediate UNSC reform, cite council's inability to uphold global peace, security
Foreign Ministers from the G4 countries met in New York to discuss the need for UN Security Council reform. They highlighted the current Council's inability to maintain international peace and security effectively. The G4 emphasized the importance of expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership categories to reflect modern geopolitical realities. Discussions also included the representation needs of under-represented regions, especially Africa.
EAM Jaishankar discusses regional, global issues with foreign counterparts on margins of UNGA session
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with French, Ecuadorian, Slovak and Hungarian counterparts on the margins of the UN General Assembly session in New York, discussing regional and global issues including the Ukraine and Gulf crises, economic ties, multilateral cooperation and UN Security Council reform.
Global order under stress, multilateralism must assert itself strongly: Jaishankar at inaugural UNGA 'Partners for Multilateralism' Summit
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the global order is under stress from geopolitical competition, tensions and conflicts, calling for stronger multilateralism and reforms to international institutions. Speaking at the Partners for Multilateralism Summit during UNGA week, he urged more participative decision-making, transparency and cooperation on security, climate, technology, supply chains and development.
Trump eyes busy week of meetings as UN General Assembly gathers
US President Trump will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He is scheduled to meet with leaders from Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The US President will also address the General Assembly on global issues. Discussions will likely include the ongoing conflict with Iran and its implications. Trump's agenda features meetings with various international political figures.
India’s festive food exports see demand surge ahead of Diwali: TPCI
India's food export sector anticipates robust demand for traditional and convenience items. International buyers show keen interest in procuring these popular Indian food products. Traditional sweets and savouries are in high demand, alongside ready-to-eat meals. Exports of cooked food items have already seen significant growth this year.
China presses Iran to help rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal, sources say
China has privately urged Iran to help control Yemen's Houthis. Saudi Arabia sought Beijing's assistance as Houthi threats grew significantly. This escalation risks vital energy routes upon which China depends. It remains unclear how Tehran will ultimately respond to Beijing's request. China desires regional stability and the unimpeded flow of global energy.
Trump says 'hopefully we are towards end' of Iran war
US President Donald Trump said he hoped the war against Iran was nearing an end and reiterated that Tehran “want[s] to make a deal.” Separately, Axios reported Trump is expected to meet Gulf leaders at the UN General Assembly next week to discuss the conflict and US postwar strategy.
Indian exporters see strong festive season orders for textiles and food products to US and Europe
Indian exporters anticipate a stronger festive season with significant order increases. Textile orders from the US for holidays have jumped considerably this year. Food exports to Europe and the GCC region are also experiencing robust demand. However, exporters face challenges from high freight costs and container shortages. Trade policies and import compliance requirements also present ongoing concerns for businesses.
Iranian cargo ship is struck, and talks between Tehran and its neighbors are postponed
An Iranian cargo vessel was struck off Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one and injuring four, Iranian state media reported. The attack came as Tehran postponed a meeting with Gulf states on managing shipping through the strategic waterway, amid heightened regional tensions and continued attacks on vessels.
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