India, Bahrain Emphasize Cooperation in Growing Food and Agriculture Sectors

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

In a move to further strengthen bilateral economic ties, the Embassy of India in Bahrain recently hosted a Buyer-Seller Meet focused on the food and agriculture sectors. The event was organized in partnership with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and the Bahrain India Society (BIS).

The opening ceremony saw the distinguished presence of H.E. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry & Commerce of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and H.E. Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to Bahrain. Also in attendance were H.E. Mohamed Al Kooheji, Second Vice Chairman of BCCI, and Mr. Abdul Rahman Juma, Chairman of the Bahrain India Society (BIS).

Ambassador Jacob highlighted the pivotal role that the food and agriculture sectors play in the long-standing trade and people-to-people relations between the two nations. He emphasized that enhancing cooperation in these areas would not only boost economic ties but also increase trade volumes and contribute to mutual prosperity.

A key focus of the event was India’s recently implemented GST 2.0 reforms, which took effect on September 22, 2025. Ambassador Jacob explained that the new framework significantly simplifies the tax structure into two main slabs of 5% and 18%. The reforms are particularly beneficial for the food and agri sectors, as they have either substantially reduced or eliminated taxes on many essential and packaged food products. Following his remarks, a presentation was screened to showcase how these changes can benefit the food processing and agri-business sectors.

Diverse Indian Products on Display

The event showcased a delegation of approximately 25 prominent Indian companies, which displayed a wide array of products. The range included spices, millets, ready-to-cook and frozen foods, organic produce, flours, rice, jaggery, and various beverages and processed foods. The delegation, led by Mr. Prashant Seth, Joint Deputy Director General of FIEO, is also scheduled to visit major hypermarkets in Bahrain to explore business opportunities and deepen market exposure.