Yusuf Ali M.A. Meets Sultan Haitham in Muscat
By Shankar Kumar
India’s relationship with Gulf countries has become much stronger over the past ten years. Long before this growing connection between governments, millions of Indians living in the Gulf had already built a strong bond between India and the region.
Indian business leaders in the Gulf have created a positive image for India, making it easier for trade agreements and cooperation to flourish whenever the governments decided to engage.
Prominent figures such as M.A. Yusuff Ali of the LuLu Group, Micky Jagtiani of the Landmark Group, PNC Menon of Sobha Group, Dr. Azad Moopen of DM Group, Rizwan Sajan of Danube Group, and Syed Salahuddin of Star Group have become well-known names in the Gulf. Their businesses span across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, contributing significantly to the local economies and helping enhance India’s global stature.
As India aims to become one of the world’s top three economies, the Indian community in the Gulf is gaining importance for both India and the host nations. Indian entrepreneurs have made a notable impact on the region’s trade and commerce, acting as vital players in India’s soft power diplomacy.
The number of Indian-owned businesses in Gulf countries has surged over the years. For instance, in the first half of 2025 alone, around 9,038 new Indian business leaders registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. In Saudi Arabia, over 3,000 Indian entrepreneurs are active, and as of August 2023, Indian investments there have reached $3 billion across various sectors, including construction, IT, and pharmaceuticals.
Oman has around 600,000 Indians, with more than 6,000 Indian businesses operating there, accounting for an estimated investment of over $7.5 billion. This vibrant community is strengthening economic ties between New Delhi and Muscat, with bilateral trade reaching $10.613 billion in 2024-25. One prominent player in Oman is the Khimji Ramdas Group, led by Kanaksi Khimji, who was honored by the Sultan of Oman for his contributions.
In Qatar, a community of about 20,000 Indian entrepreneurs has emerged as a key force in the economy, contributing to sectors like construction and hospitality, all while aligning with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
In Bahrain, Indian entrepreneurs have made a significant mark, with over 7,500 Indian-owned or joint venture companies registered as of October 2020. Ravi Pillai of the RP Group received a national award for his impactful work in refinery operations and local community development.
In Kuwait, the Indian business community has carved a niche mainly in retail and distribution, with successful figures like K.G. Abraham and the founders of the Mughal Mahal restaurant chain making their mark through quality services and products.
Overall, the contributions of Indian businesses in the Gulf have become a vital part of the economic and cultural landscape. These entrepreneurs act as bridges between markets and societies, strengthening ties while supporting the development goals of their host nations.
