Piyush Goyal and Saudi Commerce Minister discuss supply chains amid West Asia conflict
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a virtual call with Saudi Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi on 11 April 2026, stressing supply chain continuity and hoping for early progress on the India-GCC FTA.
Summary
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a virtual call with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce, Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi, on 11 April 2026 to take stock of the situation in West Asia. Mr. Goyal expressed hope that the recently announced ceasefire would lead to lasting peace, condemned attacks in Saudi Arabia during the conflict and thanked the country for protecting the Indian community. Both sides noted the strain on regional supply chains and stressed coordinated efforts for smooth trade flows, and Mr. Goyal outlined India's steps to support exports to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral trade and expressed optimism for early progress in the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
Key facts
- Date
- 11 April 2026 (virtual call)
- Counterpart
- Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi, Minister of Commerce, Saudi Arabia
- Focus
- Supply chain continuity amid West Asia conflict; support for exports to KSA and Gulf
- Trade pact
- Optimism for early progress on India-GCC FTA
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In his call with Piyush Goyal on 11 April 2026, Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi represented Saudi Arabia as its:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Minister of Commerce
Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi is the Minister of Commerce of Saudi Arabia.
During the India-Saudi Arabia ministerial call of 11 April 2026, both sides expressed optimism for early progress in negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — the Gulf Cooperation Council
The Ministers expressed optimism for early progress in the India-GCC FTA negotiations.