GR Exclusive: Global Ambassadors Say India Remains A Crucial Market For Investments And Growth

Ambassadors from Australia to Morocco and Israel who attended the Invest Karnataka 2025 meet spoke about how they think India is the right place for future investments and they want to work together to strengthen ties with India. Ambassadors and consulate officials spoke about key areas that could shape the future of Karnataka and Bengaluru. Goodreturns (OneIndia) team spoke exclusively with Hilary McGeachy, Australian Consul-General in India, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Maliki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to India and Orli Weitzman, Consul General of Israel in Bengaluru at the event.

Hilary McGeachy, Australian Consul-General in India, Bengaluru

"India and Australia have already built a strong trade relationship with bilateral agreements to expand trade in multiple sectors. Now at the Invest Karnataka 2025 Global Investors meet, we witnessed a huge focus on international trade."

"We're seeing two big patterns at the moment. One, Australia and India have free trade agreements. So that means that the volume of trade between Australia and India, and specifically Karnataka, is increasing."

McGeachy further emphasized the ease of access to Australian products in India and the growing presence of Australian goods in Bengaluru markets. "Australia's abundance of critical minerals, which are crucial for India's manufacturing and technology industries."

His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Maliki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco

"Morocco is one of the largest public investment hubs, with strategic ties with key companies. Plans for investment from Karnataka to Morocco are already in motion, with upcoming strategic partnerships across multiple sectors."
"India sees Morocco as an ideal partner, especially with the growing difficulty of exports with zero taxes, which is very difficult these days."

"Morocco has been partners with India in the defense sector for long time and many other strategic partnerships will be coming in future"

India and Morocco have been strengthening their economic partnership with bilateral trade over the past few years. Morocco has been a major supplier of phosphates and fertilizers to India, which helps enhance India's agricultural sector and food security.

Orli Weitzman, Consul General of Israel in Bengaluru

"India-Israel partnership will potentially boost economic growth, especially in sectors like AI and technology. The summit has provided a platform for Israeli companies to collaborate with Indian firms, opening new avenues for innovation."

Over the years, India and Israel have continuously worked on strengthening their bilateral ties, expanding cooperation that involves mutual benefits and shared interests. It should be noted that India is one of the largest buyers of Israeli defense technology, and both countries have collaborated on advanced missile defense systems, drones, and military equipment.

Charles Ross, Principal, Technology and Society, Asia-Pacific, Economist Impact

"Most companies currently are exploring how AI can be integrated into their operations and workforces with many already seeing significant gains in productivity."
"AI is only going to add value to existing roles and enhance productivity and gains, and new job opportunities will emerge as a result."