"India should look to Ireland as a solid, reliable, innovative and profitable partner, in every sense," the Taoiseach told a cultural reception in Bangalore today.
Mr Ahern said Ireland had the most open economy and added that, as the gateway to the European Union, it was also the best place to invest.
"I know that the buzz phrase here in India right now is look east, but remember, the world is round, and if you have real vision, and you look far enough east, you find Ireland," the Taoiseach said.
Mr Ahern was speaking during a trade mission to India that it is hoped will increase links with India's IT and education sectors. He also advertised the country as a location for holiday and film-making.
"I would very much like to see greater two-way traffic between [the state of] Karnataka and Ireland involving both the pubic and the private sectors" Mr Ahern said.
Yesterday, Minister for Education Mary Hanafin announced a new body to attract thousands of foreign students to Irish colleges and universities would be set up before Easter.