INDIAN business and community leaders said the forthcoming visit of their top leader to Bahrain marks a major milestone in relations between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold high-level talks on bilateral ties and regional issues with Bahraini leadership during his debut visit to the kingdom on Saturday and Sunday.
He is also expected to address thousands of his countrymen at a public gathering at Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa.
Speaking to the GDN ahead of the first Indian prime ministerial visit, top businessmen and community members hailed it as the biggest event in Bahrain for the Indian diaspora.
“The state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bahrain is the first by an Indian Prime Minister,” said LuLu Group chairman and managing director Yusuffali MA.
“As such, this is a milestone in Bahrain-Indian relations.
“It shows the deepening ties between both the nations and underscores the significance of Bahrain in India’s West Asia policy.”
Mr Yusuffali said nearly 400,000 Indians have contributed to the growth of Bahrain, and this is a “crowning moment” to welcome their top leader to the kingdom. “As India is marching towards its ambitious goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, Bahrain too will undoubtedly play a key role because of its existing trade ties, close proximity and a large Indian diaspora.”
He said India-Bahrain bilateral trade for the year 2018-19 reached more than $1.2 billion, adding that India was the fifth largest trading partner of Bahrain.
“As of March 2018, India’s total capital investment in Bahrain has been estimated at approximately $1.69bn.
“Of this, we, at the LuLu Group, are particularly proud of our growing contribution of nearly $300 million in the kingdom.”
Prime Minister Modi will also launch the Indian payment card RuPay in Bahrain besides signing key agreements on culture, space and renewable energy.
Bahraini businessman of Indian origin Mohammed Dadabhai said the visit comes at a time when both countries enjoy excellent relations.
“Bilateral trade is increasing and we foresee these relations further strengthening in various sectors, including oil and gas,” he said.
“Indians and Bahrainis alike are excited to welcome the dynamic leader who has made an impact on all his foreign visits, and we expect the same here.”
He pointed out that Bahrain’s industrial diversification policy has played a major role in boosting economic co-operation with India.
“The visit will encourage Bahraini investors to be a part of the Indian success story,” added Mr Dadabhai.
Similar views were expressed by Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry members and founder and chairman of the now defunct Bahrain-India Council Khalid Al Amin.
“Bahrain was among the first countries to trade with India thousands of years back, and today we are looking to learn more about information technology and food trade from India,” he said.
“We welcome this visit which will open new horizons for trade and economic relations.”
Meanwhile, Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam president Radhakrishna Pillai said thousands of members had registered to attend the public gathering.
“There is a great deal of excitement among the Indian community,” he said.
Indian Community Relief Fund chairman Aruldas Thomas said he was flooded with calls from people asking about the registration process.
“There is a big hype about this visit and everyone is talking about how it will further strengthen ties between the two countries.”
Mahesh Bhatia, a Bahrain-born Indian expatriate, said he was excited like others to welcome Mr Modi to the Krishna Temple in Manama to launch its renovation.
“The Indian community is looking forward to welcome Prime Minister Modi to launch the renovation work in one of the oldest Hindu temples in Gulf countries,” he said.
Meanwhile, registration to attend the public meeting is still open at www.indianpminbahrain.com.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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