Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB) is set to embark on a multi-city tour across India, aiming to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen economic collaboration. The initiative, scheduled for September 9-14, comes as part of Bahrain’s broader efforts to attract investments and enhance partnerships across key sectors. Spearheaded by Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Bahrain’s Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the EDB, the delegation will engage with top Indian business leaders, investors, and policymakers in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Bahrain’s move to engage directly with India underscores the increasing significance of bilateral relations between the two countries. India, a rapidly growing economy and a key player in global trade, has been identified as a strategic partner for Bahrain’s economic ambitions. The tour is expected to showcase the Gulf nation’s business-friendly environment, investment opportunities, and the diverse sectors open to collaboration, including finance, manufacturing, technology, and logistics.
The Bahrain Economic Development Board, responsible for promoting investment in the Kingdom, has been working to position Bahrain as a hub for international businesses seeking a foothold in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By targeting India, Bahrain aims to tap into one of the world’s largest consumer markets and the fast-developing Indian economy, which is increasingly driven by innovation, technology, and industrial growth.
Bahrain’s strategic geographical location, coupled with its investor-friendly regulatory environment, is likely to be a focal point of discussions during the India tour. The Kingdom offers 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, low operational costs, and access to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market of over 50 million consumers. These advantages are expected to appeal to Indian companies looking to expand their presence in the Gulf region, particularly those involved in sectors such as financial services, logistics, ICT, and manufacturing.
The India visit also marks a significant opportunity for both nations to explore new areas of collaboration, particularly in emerging technologies. Bahrain has positioned itself as a leader in fintech, having launched a number of initiatives in recent years to support the sector. The Kingdom’s regulatory sandbox for fintech startups has attracted numerous international firms, and there is considerable scope for Indian technology companies to collaborate with Bahrain on financial innovation and digital services.
Moreover, Bahrain has been keen to bolster its manufacturing sector, especially in fields such as chemicals, food processing, and aluminum production. India’s robust manufacturing base makes it a natural partner for collaboration in these industries. The visit will likely focus on building synergies in these areas, with discussions centered on how Indian businesses can leverage Bahrain’s competitive edge as a production hub for the GCC market.
The tour will also provide a platform for discussions on sustainable development and climate change. Bahrain, through its Vision 2030 economic plan, has placed sustainability at the heart of its development strategy. Minister Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, a key proponent of sustainable economic growth, is expected to highlight Bahrain’s initiatives in this area, which align with India’s own commitment to sustainable development. Both countries are signatories to the Paris Agreement and are looking to collaborate on green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure projects.
The Bahrain-India relationship is not limited to trade and investment. The two nations share a long history of cultural and diplomatic ties, with a sizable Indian expatriate community living in Bahrain. These deep-rooted connections are likely to be emphasized during the tour, as both sides seek to build on their historical relationship and foster stronger people-to-people ties.
On the economic front, bilateral trade between Bahrain and India has shown steady growth. According to the latest data, total trade between the two countries stood at around $1.4 billion in 2022. India is among Bahrain’s top trading partners, and there is potential for further expansion in sectors such as hydrocarbons, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Bahrain is also home to several prominent Indian companies, and the EDB’s tour is expected to explore new avenues for Indian firms to increase their presence in the Kingdom.
In addition to meetings with business leaders and investors, the Bahrain delegation is expected to hold discussions with Indian government officials on strengthening bilateral relations. These talks could pave the way for future cooperation agreements in areas such as trade, investment, and technology transfer. The tour aligns with India’s own foreign policy objectives of enhancing relations with Gulf countries, which have become critical economic partners for New Delhi in recent years.
The timing of Bahrain’s outreach to India is also notable, coming at a time when global economic dynamics are shifting. Both nations are looking to diversify their economies and reduce dependence on traditional industries, such as oil and gas. For Bahrain, India represents a key partner in its efforts to modernize and diversify its economic base, while for India, Bahrain provides access to the GCC and MENA markets, which are crucial for India’s energy security and trade.