PR No – 161
3rd September 2025
New Delhi
India-Iraq Relations Poised for Stronger Trade and Investment Partnerships
New Delhi, 3rd September 2025: At the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), an interactive session with Mr. Nazar Mirjan Al-Assadi, Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Iraq to India, turned into much more than just a discussion on trade, it became a celebration of friendship, culture, and new beginnings.
Mr. Al-Assadi began with memories close to his heart. He spoke about the Indian films of the 1970s that shaped his youth, the friendships he has built with Indians over the years, and the sense of warmth he feels every time he engages with India. “Our ties are not only about business or politics,” he said, “they are about family values, shared culture, and a bond that feels personal.”
When he spoke about trade, the tone was equally hopeful. Iraq, he reminded the audience, is one of India’s biggest oil partners. But beyond oil, Indian products, whether it’s rice, tea, medicines, or electronics, are part of everyday life in Iraq. He encouraged more Indian companies to step in and see the opportunities first-hand. While many Indians already work in Iraq, most are with global firms. “It’s time for Indian enterprises to make their presence felt,” he urged.
He also shared Iraq’s journey of resilience, how the country has moved beyond years of conflict and is now focused on rebuilding with energy and optimism. One detail he proudly pointed out was the rise of women leaders, with 30% of parliamentarians now being women, well above the official quota.
The highlight of his address was the announcement of Iraq’s first Annual Investment Forum, set for 27–28 September. From energy and infrastructure to healthcare, agriculture, and transport, the forum will showcase opportunities for collaboration. He assured Indian businesses that Iraq will extend every possible support- from visas to investment facilitation. “Iraq is opening its doors wide. We are looking east, and India has a special place in this vision,” he said with conviction.
Adding to the spirit of the session, Mr. Naveen Seth, Deputy Secretary General of PHDCCI, said:
“Iraq’s resources, its momentum for rebuilding, and its commitment to diversification make it a land of promise. For Indian industries, whether in IT, healthcare, education, or energy, there is a world of opportunity waiting. At PHDCCI, we are proud to build bridges like today’s, where businesses don’t just exchange ideas but also share trust and friendship.”
The session ended on a warm and hopeful note, with participants leaving not just with new insights into Iraq’s economy, but also with a renewed sense of how deeply India and Iraq are connected- through stories, through people, and through the promise of a shared future.