MANAMA: With the completion of the 100 days of new Indian Government in office led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered into a new era of progress and development, a senior Indian Minister revealed.
“In the first 100 days of new government, the Indian economic landscape is already reshaping with achieving record GDP in the last quarter,” Sushma Swaraj, Minister for External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs told the audience at the opening of OIFC Diaspora Engagement Meet.
“The GDP has grown at 5.7% in last quarter which is highest in the past for three and half years, is a evidence of Government’s resolve to put back the economic development of India on track,” she said, adding that the Government’s focus would remain good governance and transparency.
“India and Bahrain enjoy excellent bilateral relations which been further strengthened by the landmark visit of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa,” she said, adding that she had chosen Bahrain as the first destination of her visit in the Middle East which speaks volumes of importance India attaches to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Mrs Swaraj, who was joined by her Bahraini counterpart Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and the Minister for Transportation Kamal Bin Ahmed, said that her Government would be made all possible efforts to further strengthened the existing ties.
She applauded the contribution of 300,000 Indian Diaspora out of 1.3 million population of Bahrain in reshaping the Indian economy as well as bridging the gap between the two countries.
She assured the NRIs that the Government would provide all possible facilities to NRIs and overseas investors by reducing the bureaucratic hurdles as part of the Government’s drive to attract investments.
“We are inviting NRIs and foreign investments in infrastructure and real estate sectors and this will continue to be a part of the Government’s drive to attract more investments.
“In this region, I chose Bahrain as destination of choice to start official visit of the region and I came myself to extend you an invitation that India is awaiting with open arms,” she said.
Highlighting the opening of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Bahrain, she said that thanks goes to the Minister Transportation who is also EDB’s Acting CEO for assisting to open this office in Manama. She called upon the heterogeneous and diversified Indian community to play more pro-active role in reshaping the national economy through concerted efforts by joining hands with the Government.
“BJP came into power after thirty years and during elections political pundits were still thinking of some form of coalition government but the election results had changed the total perception of Indian elections for giving the BJP an overwhelming majority,” the Minister said.
Not being carried away with yet with the fever of election win, she said that overwhelming majority also brought huge responsibility on the Government.
Prem Narian, Secretary Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Chairman of Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre also highlighted the salient investment opportunities in India.