Sitharaman urges Bahrain to raise investments in India

The Dollar Business Bureau

Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry on Thursday urged Bahrain to increase its investments in India, emphasising on the opportunities for investment in the country.

In a discussion with Zayed R. Alzayani, her counterpart in Bahrain, the Minister stated, “ the high investment opportunities in India and requested Bahrain to increase its investments in India.”

During their meeting, the Bahrain Minister stressed on the strong ties between the two nations and said that India is an important partner for Bahrain.

The bilateral trade between India and Bahrain stood at around $1.2 billion in 2013-2014, which has increased manifold from just $220 million in 1999-2000. India mainly imports crude oil, petroleum products, ores, slag/ash, aluminum and fertilisers from Bahrain.

The major items of exports from India to the Middle East nation are inorganic chemicals, organic & inorganic compounds of precious metals, iron & steel, boilers & machineries, ships & boats, and processed foods.

India and Bahrain have close economic and trade ties for over several centuries. The comparative prosperity and higher standard of living in Bahrain has been enhanced by global imports of goods and services from India.

The policy of industrial diversification of Bahrain government played a vital role in improving economic cooperation between the two countries. The kingdom serves as the gateway to the Gulf market due to its strategic location.