His Excellency Mr. Vinod K. Jacob, the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, recently participated in the 4th edition of the THMC CONNECT event organized by the Thattai Hindu Merchants Community (THMC) in Bahrain. The event, held on September 14, 2024, aimed to celebrate the contributions of the THMC towards Bahrain’s economic prosperity and its role in fostering stronger India-Bahrain relations. Ambassador Jacob commended the THMC and its president, Mr. Mukesh Kavalani, for their efforts in enhancing Bahrain’s economic landscape. He also praised the community’s commitment to building stronger economic ties between India and Bahrain, while also bringing a global and cosmopolitan perspective to their initiatives.
During his remarks at the event, Ambassador Jacob highlighted the significant impact of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Bahrain in August 2019. He noted that since then, cumulative investments between India and Bahrain had risen by 40%, reaching US$ 1.6 billion. Furthermore, between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024, Indian investments in Bahrain amounted to US$ 200 million, marking a 15% increase and positioning India as the sixth-largest investor in Bahrain. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of this economic cooperation and the positive growth trajectory of bilateral trade, with the trade gap narrowing to just US$ 80 million in the past year. According to Indian government trade statistics, the India-Bahrain trade volume reached US$ 1.73 billion between April 2023 and March 2024.
Ambassador Jacob reaffirmed his dedication to further enhancing the bilateral relationship between India and Bahrain, particularly through the active engagement of Indian and Bahraini business communities, including the THMC. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration and cooperation to drive economic growth and prosperity in both countries. The Ambassador’s presence at the THMC CONNECT event underscores the importance of community-led initiatives in fostering stronger ties between India and Bahrain and promoting mutual understanding and shared prosperity.
The THMC CONNECT event serves as a platform for showcasing the contributions of the Thattai Hindu Merchants Community in Bahrain and its efforts to strengthen economic and cultural ties between India and Bahrain. The event provides an opportunity for members of the community to network, share insights, and explore potential collaborations with other businesses and organizations in Bahrain. Through events like THMC CONNECT, the THMC continues to play a vital role in promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange between India and Bahrain, contributing to the overall economic growth and development of both countries.
The presence of Ambassador Jacob at the THMC CONNECT event highlights the deepening relationship between India and Bahrain and the importance of community-driven initiatives in fostering stronger economic and diplomatic ties. The Ambassador’s words of praise and encouragement for the THMC underscore the valuable contributions of the community to Bahrain’s economic landscape and its role in enhancing bilateral cooperation. As India continues to strengthen its presence as a key investor in Bahrain and trade between the two countries grows, initiatives like THMC CONNECT play a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and promoting shared prosperity.
In conclusion, the participation of Ambassador Jacob in the THMC CONNECT event reflects the commitment of both India and Bahrain to further enhancing their bilateral relationship through economic cooperation and community engagement. The event serves as a testament to the efforts of the THMC in fostering stronger India-Bahrain relations and promoting economic growth and prosperity in both countries. As both nations continue to work together to deepen their ties, events like THMC CONNECT will play a crucial role in strengthening the bonds between India and Bahrain and creating new opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
