June 27, 2018
The bilateral agreement covers exchange of publications and research outcomes, visits by governmental officials, academic staff and experts, workshops and training courses
governmental officials, academic staff and experts, workshops and training courses The healthcare agreement comes amid improving relations between the nations that has resulted in a steady rise in bilateral trade to around US$875 million during 2017-18
India’s total investment into Bahrain over January 2003 to March 2018 has been around US$1.7 billion; Main exports to Bahrain have included fuel and oil, chemicals, nuts and fruits
India, backed by advanced innovations and low costs, has come up as a reliable partner in capacity building and infrastructure development in the international healthcare space
India’s Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a preliminary agreement between India and Bahrain on cooperation in the field of healthcare. The bilateral agreement covers: 1) Exchange of information including publications and research outcomes; 2) Visits by governmental officials, academic staff, scholars, teachers, experts and students; 3) Participating in workshops and training courses; 4) Encouraging health and medical research activities at both the private-sector and the academic level; and, 5) Any other forms of cooperation as mutually decided by the countries. The agreement comes amid improving relations between the nations that has resulted in a steady rise in bilateral trade and exchanges. Bilateral trade was reported at around US$875 million during 2017-18.
Agreements between the nations have covered the fields of bilateral investments, taxation, defence and security, human resource development, IT, telecommunications, water resources, air services and extradition. Simultaneously, India’s main items of exports to Bahrain include fuel and oil, chemicals, rare earth compounds, cereals, nuts and fruits, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, among others. Meanwhile, the main items of import from Bahrain have been crude oil, bituminous substance, aluminum, fertilizers, iron and copper, pulp, salt, among others. India’s total capital investment into Bahrain over January 2003 to March 2018 has been pegged at around US$1.7 billion. Financial Services has highest investment value, 40 per cent of total projects, followed by real estate and hospitality sector.
India has come up as a reliable partner in capacity building and infrastructure development in the international healthcare space. The nation has also become a popular destination for medical tourism with people coming in from world over for highly advanced and yet affordable healthcare. As a result, countries as diverse as Cuba and Kenya have entered into agreements with India in the healthcare space. As a result, the Indian Healthcare industry — which comprises hospitals, medical devices, clinical trials, outsourcing, telemedicine, medical tourism, health insurance and medical equipment — has seen a spike in activities. India’s healthcare industry size is expected to touch US$280 billion by 2020 from US$160 billion in 2017. India’s traditional healthcare and medicinal practices have also helped in driving interest.