Strengthening bilateral ties

Alok K Sinha,

Indian Ambassador

On the occasion of the 70th Republic Day of India, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the Indian Community in the Kingdom of Bahrain. As we celebrate the 70th Republic Day, India has recorded a jump of 23 positions in 2018 against its rank of 100 in 2017, as per the World Bank Doing Business Report 2019. World Bank has also recognized India as the top improvers for the second consecutive year.

India has recorded the highest improvement in two years in the Doing business assessment by improving its rank by 53 positions. The significant improvement in the ranking reflects the commitment of the Government of India to carry out comprehensive reforms and undertake complex measures to facilitate private and foreign investments. Some of the landmark reform measures include the introduction of a single country, single market, single tax system i.e., the Goods and Services Tax and resolution of commercial disputes in a transparent manner through the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill.

Starting a new business in India is now easier than ever before. Traditionally, India and Bahrain enjoy excellent ties. This relationship has grown from strength to strength. The year 2018 witnessed significant developments in the bilateral ties in political, economic, cultural and social spheres. With bilateral trade surpassing US$ 1 billion and consistent increase in Indian investments in the Kingdom coupled with the developments in both the countries viz. diversification of economy in Bahrain and the flagship schemes in India like Make in India, Digital India, Skill India and Startup India have created new opportunities to further expand our bilateral economic ties.

The existing goodwill between our two countries stands guarantee for further strengthening and diversifying these relations. An important component of our warm relations with Bahrain is the presence of a large Indian Community that continues to remain an important anchor to strengthening of the bilateral ties. Their immense contribution to both the growth and development of the Kingdom of Bahrain as well as to progress in India have been acknowledged and appreciated by the leadership of the two countries. I conclude by wishing growth, development and prosperity to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of India.