EAM Jaishankar appreciates Indian diaspora in Bahrain for strengthening bilateral ties

Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the Indian diaspora in Bahrain for elevating India's esteem, during a virtual interaction. He is on a six-day three-nation tour to Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Seychelles.

Manama: On Wednesday, Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar interacted virtually with members of the Indian community in Bahrain. "Glad to interact virtually, with members of the Indian community in Bahrain. Thank them for keeping India’s flag flying high. Appreciate their valuable contribution to the strengthening of our bilateral ties," he tweeted.

Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to Bahrain from November 24 to November 25. It is the first leg of his six-day three-nation tour to Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Seychelles, beginning Tuesday.

Experts view that the visit by India to its neighbouring countries and others can be seen as efforts to pump up bilateral ties with the countries, especially in the face of Chinese aggression. Also, it is seen as important as it comes amid the pandemic that has wreaked havoc across the world.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar visited the centuries-old Lord Sri Krishna temple at the Bahrain capital, Manama." Began the day with the darshan at the 200-year-old Shreenathji temple at Manama. A testimony to our time- tested and close bonds with Bahrain," tweeted Jaishankar.

In fact last year, Prime Minister Modi had launched the USD 4.2 million redevelopment project of the temple.EAM on Tuesday has thanked Bahrain for taking special care of the Indian Diaspora in the Gulf kingdom during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“Started Bahrain visit with a warm meeting with Finance Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Conveyed sincere condolences on the passing away of former PM HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa”, Jaishankar tweeted late Tuesday night.

"Discussed our historical ties and cooperation in diverse sectors. Exchanged views on regional and international issues. Thanked Bahrain for taking special care of the Indian community during COVID times," he added.

Read:Jaishankar visits 200-year-old Hindu temple in Bahrain

Pertinently, the novel coronavirus has infected over 85,800 people and claimed 339 lives in the oil-rich Gulf nation. According to the website of the Indian Embassy in Bahrain, the country has around 350,000 Indian nationals, which comprise a third of Bahrain's total population of 1.4 million. From Bahrain, Jaishankar will travel to UAE where he is scheduled to meet his counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The MEA in a statement had said that during his UAE trip, Jaishankar will discuss ways for Indian workers to resume their jobs in UAE in the post-COVID scenario. More than 3 million Indians live and work in the UAE. In the last leg of his tour, the external affairs minister will travel to Seychelles on November 27 and 28.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, in Seychelles, Jaishankar will call-on the newly elected President, Wavel Ramkalawan, to present greetings of Prime Minister Modi and will discuss with him the priorities of the new government and avenues for further strengthening of bilateral relations.