India and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) have initiated discussions on a free trade agreement that may not include a bilateral investment treaty. India aims to access the affluent market in the GCC region for its goods and secure concessions on visas, while also attracting investment. It is possible that a chapter on investment will be included in the agreement. Detailed negotiations for the treaty have yet to begin. The GCC, comprising Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, had previously expressed interest in the FTA.