
GCC ambassadors in New Delhi discuss strengthening ties with India
NEW DELHI, India, May 18: Ambassadors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries accredited to New Delhi convened to explore ways to enhance cooperation between the GCC and India. The meeting, chaired by Kuwait —currently holding the GCC presidency — focused on strengthening ties across various sectors and levels.
Kuwaiti Ambassador to India, Mishal Al-Shamali, told KUNA on Saturday that the session aimed to discuss strategies for advancing relations between the Gulf nations and India. He emphasized that the meeting served as a platform for exchanging views and opinions in support of reinforcing joint Gulf action.
This meeting is part of a series of regular gatherings between GCC ambassadors, designed to share perspectives and align positions on issues of mutual interest. The ambassadors highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue and the unification of efforts to better serve the GCC's interests in its relations with India, with the goal of expanding cooperation to new, broader horizons that align with the region's higher aspirations.
The meeting also addressed the latest local, regional, and global developments, with a particular focus on the ongoing negotiations regarding a free trade agreement between the GCC and India. The ambassadors underscored the need to strengthen economic and trade relations, increase mutual investments, and explore new areas of cooperation. Key sectors of focus included food security, cybersecurity, energy, and cultural and educational initiatives.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
Iran needs to gain its neighbors' trust
SINCE the regime change in 1979, Iran's relations with its neighbors have been tense, especially after enshrining the principle of 'exporting the revolution' in its constitution. It is well known that when a country undergoes a regime change, the new leadership typically focuses on domestic reconstruction and easing tensions with neighboring states. However, the Tehran regime did not follow this rule, which raised concerns among its neighbors. It began establishing versions of 'Hezbollah' in several countries, based on political objectives and a sectarian combat doctrine. The Iranian regime went further, applying pressure on neighboring countries through subversive and terrorist acts. Iran was expected to take advantage of the end of the eightyear war with Iraq as an opportunity to reconsider its overall regional political attitude, given that the region represents its natural strategic depth and an important industrial and commercial market. Instead, Iran chose to escalate tensions. For example, after the fall of the Ba'ath regime in Baghdad, Iran forcefully entered the Iraqi arena through sectarian militias, raising the slogan - 'Our strategic borders extend to the Mediterranean Sea.' Iran continued its provocative strategy, boasting of influence over four Arab capitals. Iran also supported the Houthis, and supplied them with missiles used to bomb Saudi Arabia and attack other Gulf states. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have repeatedly sought to establish good neighborly relations with Iran. However, each attempt was met with a wall of Iranian arrogance and ultimately failed. Despite this, the GCC's patience did not run out, driven by the belief that any regional tension undermines stability and carries severe negative consequences. Moreover, since 1998, Iran has heightened its neighbors' suspicions by reviving its nuclear program. Although Iran claims its program is for peaceful purposes, its enrichment of uranium to high levels suggests an indirect pursuit of a nuclear bomb. This behavior has drawn international condemnation and led to crippling sanctions that have severely impacted Iran's people and economy. On the other hand, Israel, despite being widely regarded as the 'mother of all evils', has possessed a military nuclear program since 1965 and maintains an ambiguous stance regarding its arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. Nevertheless, Israel has succeeded in establishing positive relations with countries around the world, including major powers. Despite its limited size and resources, Israel has built a massive economy. In 2023, Israel's GDP reached approximately $513 billion, while Iran, despite its vast natural wealth, large geographic area, and significant human potential, had a GDP of only about $191 billion. This comparison between Israel and Iran highlights the profound divergence in the visions of the two regimes. While Israel strives to strengthen its relations with the world and reassure its neighbors, Iran focuses on militarizing the state. As a result, Iran has spent billions on armaments and forming sectarian militias, even as its people live in severe poverty. The ongoing war has exposed the true balance of power and revealed Tehran's vulnerabilities. None of Iran's neighbors wishes to see it remain trapped in such dire economic and developmental conditions. The only way out of this impasse is through the language of reason, as recently demonstrated between Pakistan and India. Both countries possess nuclear weapons, meaning that any escalation between them could lead to catastrophic consequences engulfing all of South Asia. Today, there are serious calls and efforts to defuse tensions between Iran and Israel. If Tehran does not intend to build a nuclear bomb, it must reassure its neighbors and the international community. Likewise, if Tel Aviv does not seek to change the regime in Iran, it must also reassure the world and be willing to compromise. Otherwise, the path forward risks more violence, destruction, and potentially nuclear attacks and mass genocide.

Kuwait Times
7 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait holds third day of emergency meetings as regional unrest escalates
Officials reassure public while keeping details of contingency plans under wraps KUWAIT: For the third day in a row, senior Kuwaiti officials have convened emergency meetings in response to the escalating conflict between Iran and the Zionist entity, assuring that essential services are secure and the country remains prepared for any scenario. On Saturday evening, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired a meeting of the Supreme Defense Council at Bayan Palace, where senior ministers and security officials reviewed the latest regional developments and discussed Kuwait's precautionary measures. 'The council reviewed key regional developments and received briefings from ministers and top state officials on the preparedness of relevant agencies and the precautionary steps taken to confront all possible scenarios,' the government said in an official statement. While officials have not disclosed details of the emergency plans, they emphasized that all government bodies are operating in coordination to ensure the continuity of services and the security of citizens and residents. 'All entities are working to secure basic services, ensure the availability of all necessary supplies, and facilitate the continuity of public services, with the goal of preserving security and stability in the country,' the statement added. Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwaila convens a meeting with undersecretaries to review the strategic stockpile of essential goods. The heightened state of alert follows a dramatic surge in regional tensions. On Friday, the Zionist entity launched an unprecedented series of airstrikes on Iranian territory, targeting nuclear, military and civilian infrastructure. According to Iranian officials, the strikes have so far killed 128, including senior Revolutionary Guard commanders and children. Iran and the Zionist entity have exchanged strikes since then, with Iranian attacks killing 13 people in the Zionist entity. The escalation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict that could impact Gulf nations, including Kuwait. In response, multiple Kuwaiti institutions have held emergency meetings to assess readiness. On Sunday, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah convened a broad meeting with ministry undersecretaries to review the strategic stockpile of essential goods and assess the readiness of affiliated sectors. 'The meeting focused on institutional readiness in light of current and potential challenges, and ways to enhance proactive planning to support Kuwait's social safety net,' the ministry said. 'Strategic inventory levels and future planning mechanisms were reviewed to ensure continued stability and responsiveness.' The meeting follows a statement released by the minister on Sunday, in which she confirmed that the cooperative sector is closely monitoring the availability of goods in coordination with relevant government agencies. 'The strategic stockpile is stable and goods are available to meet consumers' needs without any obstacles,' she said. On the environmental front, Acting Director-General of the Environment Public Authority Nouf Behbehani confirmed that Kuwait is 'closely monitoring the environmental impacts of regional developments,' and that a comprehensive assessment is underway to detect and respond to any cross-border environmental risks. Her remarks come amid international concern after Zionist airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. While no radiation leaks have been detected, global experts and agencies have warned of potential risks if the escalation continues. 'The authority is coordinating with relevant official bodies and remains committed to providing accurate environmental information and taking appropriate measures as needed,' Behbehani said. Similarly, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources held an internal session to review its own contingency plans. Director-General Salem Al-Hai emphasized that all departments are 'fully prepared to deal with any emergency' and highlighted the authority's commitment to reinforcing national resilience in food security and agricultural services. Despite repeated official reassurances, the government has yet to publicly share the full scope of its emergency planning. However, the pace of back-to-back meetings and continuous public updates reflects a coordinated national effort to remain vigilant as the regional situation unfolds. — Agencies


Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
Expats in Kuwait Can Now Travel to Armenia Visa-Free
KUWAIT CITY, June 16: Armenia has officially announced that, beginning July 1, 2025, citizens and expats of all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will be eligible for visa-free entry into the country for short visits. The exemption allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days, and applies to nationals and residents of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. This new visa policy is part of Armenia's broader strategy to enhance diplomatic and economic relations with the Gulf region, attract regional tourism, and open new avenues for investment and business collaboration. It follows similar agreements Armenia signed in previous years with individual Gulf states: visa waivers were granted to UAE citizens in 2017, Qatari nationals in 2019, and Kuwaiti citizens in 2022. The 2025 move marks the first time Armenia is extending such access to both citizens and legal residents from all GCC countries under a unified framework. Armenian authorities emphasized that the policy is designed to position the country as a convenient and attractive destination for both Gulf citizens and expats, especially as travel demand grows in the post-pandemic landscape. With Armenia offering mild summer weather, historical sites, and increasing direct flight connections with Gulf cities, the country hopes to emerge as a go-to destination for short leisure trips, cultural tourism, and weekend escapes. Beyond tourism, officials say the policy will help stimulate trade, investment, and people-to-people engagement. Many expatriates residing in GCC countries—particularly from South Asia and the Levant—may also find Armenia's relaxed entry requirements appealing for affordable vacations and family visits. The visa-free access for residents applies regardless of nationality, provided they hold valid GCC residency permits. This aspect is expected to significantly increase Armenia's appeal to a much wider demographic beyond Gulf nationals alone. The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that visa processing, where required, will continue to be streamlined through e-visa and consular services, but the visa exemption for GCC nationals and residents marks a key shift toward regional openness and economic diplomacy.