Gulf Cooperation Council

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental organization of six Arab states of the Persian Gulf. Established in 1981, it seeks coordination, integration and interconnection among its members across multiple fields, with closer unity as its long-term objective.

Composition and institutional structure

The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Its headquarters is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• The Supreme Council, consisting of the heads of member states, is the GCC's highest authority.
• The Ministerial Council, normally comprising foreign ministers or their representatives, develops policies and recommendations and coordinates ongoing cooperation.
• The Secretariat General prepares studies, follows implementation and supports the work of GCC institutions.

Mandate under the GCC Charter

The Charter gives the GCC a broad mandate extending beyond economic cooperation to coordination across public policy and societal development.

• It seeks coordination and integration among members in economic, financial, commercial, customs, communications, educational, cultural and social affairs.
• It promotes common regulations and closer links among the peoples of member states.
• It encourages scientific and technological progress, research centres and projects in industry, mining, agriculture, water and animal resources.
• It supports joint ventures and cooperation between the member states' private sectors.
• Cooperation has also developed in foreign policy and collective security, including defence coordination among members.

Significance for India

The GCC is important to India because its members are major energy suppliers, economic partners and hosts to a large Indian community. Engagement with the grouping therefore connects India's energy security, trade, investment, maritime interests and diaspora welfare.