The appointment of Dr. K J Purshottam as Honorary Trade Commissioner for the Asia-Arab Chamber of Commerce marks a defining moment in strengthening bilateral economic relations, with Bahrain emerging as India’s strategic gateway to the Arabian Gulf region. This diplomatic initiative is set to enhance collaboration, foster durable partnerships, and unlock high-potential sectors for mutual growth between Indian and Gulf markets.
Dr. Purshottam’s extensive leadership experience as Chairman of the J.R. Group and Managing Partner of Sri Venkateshwara Developers, coupled with his global education in real estate management at Harvard University, places him at the centre of international diplomacy and business development. Recognized for his visionary entrepreneurship and unwavering commitment to ethical business practices and community service, he brings profound expertise in driving sustainable economic development across international boundaries.
The Asia-Arab Chamber of Commerce desk will work in close alignment with the Embassy of Bahrain and leading regional institutions, providing support for cross-border trade, investment promotion, and entrepreneurial ventures. Bahrain’s progressive business climate, coupled with its location at the heart of the Gulf Cooperation Council, makes it an ideal hub for expanding India’s economic footprint across the Middle East.
Recently, Dr. Purshottam participated in the India-Bahrain Business Meet, an event that had the presence of members of the royal family, representatives from European trade organisations, leading businessmen, and media professionals.
Speaking on the event, he remarked,
“The India-Bahrain relationship is a gateway to collaboration that goes beyond commerce. It is about uniting our strengths, advancing sustainable development, and shaping a shared future of progress and prosperity for both nations.”.
India and Bahrain have long enjoyed a strong and evolving economic partnership, with bilateral trade recently surpassing the USD 1.4 billion mark. This relationship has traditionally been anchored in sectors like infrastructure development, information technology, and real estate. However, emerging industries such as fintech and healthcare are rapidly gaining traction. The Asia-Arab Chamber of Commerce is committed to opening new doors for Indian entrepreneurs in Bahrain’s market, with promising sectors including renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and digital innovation. Bahrain’s reputation as one of the Gulf’s most investor-friendly economies, combined with India’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, creates significant potential for joint ventures, technology exchange, and sustainable collaborations.
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Asia-Arab Chamber of Commerce, stated,
“India-Gulf trade relations are not just about numbers—they embody a shared vision of economic integration, innovation, and inclusive growth. Our focus is to deepen these ties through sustained dialogue, strategic partnerships, and tangible business collaborations that open new markets and foster prosperity across both regions.”
With a strong vision, extensive network, and a deep understanding of both economies, Dr. K J Purshottam is set to redefine the scope of India–Bahrain relations, demonstrating that strategic diplomacy can serve as a catalyst for cross-cultural exchange and sustainable economic growth. The Asia-Arab Chamber of Commerce, under his leadership, is looking forward to leading a high-level delegation to Bahrain in the coming months, aimed at fostering direct partnerships, exploring new sectors of investment, and deepening the bonds of bilateral cooperation.
