INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address a public gathering in Bahrain next week, it has been revealed.
The tentative date for the high-level visit is next Saturday, which is expected to be confirmed by both Bahrain and Indian governments in the next few days.
In an exclusive report, the GDN had reported on August 9 that the Indian Premier was scheduled to make his debut visit to Bahrain this month, or early next month.
According to sources, initial details of the visit were announced to community leaders and office bearers of Indian clubs and associations by Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha during a meeting at the embassy’s complex in Seef yesterday.
Meanwhile, the public meeting which is expected to be attended by at least 5,000 people will most likely be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC), Sanabis.
The sources added that a website for people to register to attend the meeting will soon go live.
“The meeting (at the embassy) was presided over by the ambassador (Mr Sinha) where he addressed community leaders and heads of major Indian associations regarding the visit of (Prime Minister) Modi,” a source confirmed to the GDN yesterday.
“The tentative date of the visit is August 24, which will be confirmed by both the governments soon.
“A website will also go online soon to help people register to attend the Prime Minister’s public meting which is most likely to be held at the BIECC.
“Other venues suggested were the Bahrain National Stadium and the Bahrain International Circuit.
“However, due to security reasons the BIECC will likely be confirmed.
“The ambassador said that the Press and the larger Indian community will soon be briefed and urged to co-operate to make Premier Modi’s visit a success,” added the source.
According to information from the embassy, information about the activation of the website www.indianpminbaharain.com will be uploaded on the mission’s social media accounts including @IndiainBahrain (Twitter), @IndiainBahrain (Facebook) and @indiainbahrain (Instagram).
In its report on August 9, the GDN quoted well-placed sources as saying that Mr Modi, who will be accompanied by a senior delegation, will also likely take part in celebrations marking 200 years of the Krishna Temple in the Manama Suq.
Reports in the local media in India said a number of bilateral agreements were expected to be signed during the high-level visit.
Trips
The 68-year-old leader, who is the 14th Prime Minister of India, has made 52 foreign trips on six continents, visiting 59 countries including the US to attend the UN General Assembly, and covering all GCC countries – except Kuwait and Bahrain – since he assumed office in 2014.
His much anticipated visit to Bahrain follows the death of former Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj earlier this month, who visited Bahrain three times during her tenure.
The GDN has approached the embassy for a comment.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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