Message by Indian Ambassador Vinod K Jacob
Vinod K Jacob
On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day of India, I am happy to share my message to the readers of the Gulf Daily News.
As you are all aware, India adopted a new constitution on January 26, 1950 and this historic day is commemorated as Republic Day every year. The theme for this year’s Republic Day is the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Matarm and Atmanirbhar Bharat or self reliant India.
Incidentally, 2026 also marks the 55th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations which has prospered under the guidance of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister on the Bahraini side and the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the Indian side.
At the heart of this vibrant relationship is the Indian community in Bahrain, around 315,000 strong. We are deeply grateful to the government and people of Bahrain for the care, respect and opportunities extended to our community.
I hope that the Indians in Bahrain and friends of India will work to further deepen bilateral relations in different spheres – economic, trade, commerce, science and technology, education, healthcare, services, culture and people-to-people ties.
I hope that the introduction, by the Government of India, of electronic visa system for Bahraini nationals in July last year and now spanning 14 categories will give a further boost to tourism flows.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Kingdom of Bahrain for its membership of the UN Security Council on a non-permanent seat for the 2026-2027 term.
&uuid=(email))