Reaffirming the commitment

On the occasion of the 69th Republic Day of India, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to members of the Indian Community in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

As we celebrate the 69th Republic Day, democracy, demography and dynamism are creating development and shaping India’s destiny.  India means business and presents an exciting opportunity for global businesses. Historic decisions on moving towards a digital-first economy and a unified system of tax in the form of Goods & Services Tax [GST] have been taken in less than a year’s time.  Due to bold FDI policy reforms, there has been a sharp increase in FDI in the past three years from 36 billion US Dollars in 2013-14 to 60 billion US Dollars in 2016-17. 

India has jumped thirty ranks in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business rankings in 2017, the highest jump for any country in a year. Starting a new business in India is now easier than ever before. India is also rapidly progressing on the Global Innovation Index, Global Logistics Index and Global Competitiveness Index. The recent IMF World Economic Outlook report has revised India’s GDP growth rate to 7.4% in 2018, gaining pace to 7.8% in 2019 and has projected India to achieve highest GDP growth rate among major economies for the next 

India and Bahrain enjoy excellent relations which can be traced back to our old civilizations of Indus Valley and Dilmun. The two countries continue to witness expanding relations in all spheres, under the dynamic leadership of the two countries. Trade and investment ties between the two countries continue to remain on a positive trajectory with bilateral trade exceeding US$1.2 billion in 2017, a 20% increase compared with 2016 and reflecting the confidence of the businesses of the two countries for greater trade and investment ties.

I would also like to avail of this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Government and the people of India to further strengthen the deep and historic bonds of friendship, understanding and cooperation between our two countries.