Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Why in news?

• India has started talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the UAE, with expectations of a larger pact with the group of Gulf Cooperation Council.

About GCC:

• The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf or GCC is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf except Iraq, namely: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
• It was originally known as the Gulf Cooperation Council.
• The Charter of the GCC was signed on 25 May 1981, formally establishing the institution.
• The GCC has extensive cooperation in political and economic fields.
• The countries have together established a joint military arm known as  Peninsula Shield Force.

Prelims Question

Which of the following countries is not a member of Gulf Cooperation council (GCC)?
(a)Qatar
(b)Iraq
(c)Kuwait
(d)Bahrain

Answer to prelims question