IACCIA–Bahrain EDB Business Dialogue Highlights Bahrain

IACCIA–Bahrain EDB Business Dialogue Highlights Bahrain

IACCIA–Bahrain EDB Business Dialogue Highlights Bahrain as Strategic Gateway for Indian Companies to GCC & MENA Markets.

H.E. Ambassador Abdulrahman Mohamed AlGaoud leads high-level Bahrain delegation at executive business dialogue in New Delhi.

New Delhi, 7 September 2026: The India & Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (IACCIA), in collaboration with the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), hosted an exclusive executive business dialogue titled “Business-friendly Bahrain: A Strategic Gateway to Growth Across the GCC & MENA” on Monday, 7 September 2026.

The high-level interaction was graced by H.E. Abdulrahman Mohamed Al Gaoud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Republic of India, who led the distinguished Bahrain delegation. The programme brought together senior representatives of the Bahrain Embassy, Bahrain EDB, and the Indian business community to explore opportunities to strengthen trade, investment, manufacturing, and economic cooperation between India and Bahrain.

The Bahrain delegation comprised:

H.E. Abdulrahman Mohamed Al Gaoud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Republic of India

H.E. Iain Lindsay, Advisor to the Board, Bahrain EDB

Mr. Mahdi Yusuf Ahmed, Deputy Chief of Mission

Mr. Ali Mudaifa, Chief of Business Development & Investments

Mr. Ishaq Ishaq, Director – Manufacturing

Ms. Dharmi Magdani, Regional Director – India

The dialogue focused on Bahrain’s growing importance as a strategic platform for Indian companies seeking access to the GCC and wider MENA markets, particularly Saudi Arabia.

Participants discussed opportunities across advanced manufacturing, logistics, packaging, food processing, FMCG, CKD/SKD assembly, distribution and integrated industrial value chains, with particular attention to the potential for Indian companies to establish manufacturing, assembly, distribution and regional operations in Bahrain.

The discussion highlighted Bahrain’s strategic location in the Gulf, its industrial ecosystem, connectivity with Saudi Arabia, access to regional markets and investment-friendly operating environment as important advantages for Indian businesses looking to expand their international footprint.

The presence of H.E. Ambassador Abdulrahman Mohamed AlGaoud underscored the importance attached by the Kingdom of Bahrain to deepening economic and commercial relations with India and strengthening opportunities for Indian businesses in Bahrain.

The Bahrain EDB delegation provided Indian business leaders with insights into the Kingdom’s investment proposition, regulatory framework, operating environment, and the support available to international companies seeking to establish operations and expand across the region.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Mohsin Ilahi - Director - International Trade & Growth, IACCIA said:

“India and Bahrain share a strong and longstanding relationship, and today there is considerable potential to take our economic partnership to a new level. Bahrain offers Indian companies an attractive platform from which to explore the GCC and wider MENA markets. The presence of H.E. the Ambassador and the senior Bahrain EDB delegation reflects the importance both sides attach to building stronger business and investment linkages. IACCIA is committed to facilitating meaningful connections between Indian enterprises and opportunities across Bahrain and the Arab world.”

The interaction also highlighted the changing priorities of Indian businesses, which are increasingly seeking resilient supply chains, international manufacturing locations, regional distribution hubs and new export markets.

For Indian companies, Bahrain's proposition extends beyond the Kingdom's domestic market, offering the potential to use Bahrain as a regional base for manufacturing, assembly, logistics, distribution and market expansion across the GCC and MENA region.

The dialogue provided an opportunity for participating Indian companies to engage directly with senior Bahraini representatives and understand the practical considerations involved in establishing a presence in the Kingdom, including market entry, investment facilitation and regional expansion.

    

The programme concluded with a shared commitment to encourage greater India–Bahrain business-to-business engagement, facilitate investment opportunities and identify sector-specific areas for future cooperation.

The IACCIA–Bahrain EDB dialogue marks another step towards strengthening the economic partnership between India and Bahrain and creating new avenues for Indian enterprises to participate in the rapidly growing GCC and MENA markets.

About IACCIA

The India & Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (IACCIA) works to promote and facilitate trade, investment, industrial cooperation and business partnerships between India and the Arab countries. The Chamber provides a platform for businesses, investors, and institutions to explore new markets, build partnerships, and strengthen India–Arab economic relations.