External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday addressed the Indian diaspora in Manama and emphasised the importance of strengthening India-Bahrain ties through continuous engagement at multiple levels, including economic cooperation, and community welfare.
Jaishankar during his address also highlighted the growing bilateral trade of USD 1.7 billion, the uptick in investments, and the welfare of the Indian community, which comprises 3,35,000 people.
“It is my second visit to Bahrain. But in a sense, it’s my first proper visit. I was here in November 2020 to convey condolences when the late Prime Minister Prince Khalifa passed away. I missed the Prime Minister’s visit in August 2019. So, as I said, this is really the first time I’ve got to spend some significant amount of time in Manama to meet all of you and to get to see and understand and appreciate a lot of what is going on here,” Jaishankar said.
“I understand, as the Indian community living here, your focus would naturally be on our bilateral relations. You would like to know what is happening here? Where is it going? What are the prospects? What does it mean to you? And I have some thoughts here which I wouldlike to place before you. First and foremost the fact that every relationship requires a continuous interaction between the leaderships of the countries…,” Jaishankar said.
“The second development, which I want to flag to you is of course, the economic facet of our ties. We have a growing trade relationship. Our annual trade turnover is about USD 1.7 billion. And there’s also been an uptick in investments both ways. Indian companies coming here,” Jaishankar added.
