Prominent Indian community members welcome Modi visit

Prominent members of the Indian community in the Kingdom have welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Kingdom. They opined that the visit would further enhance strong bilateral ties between the both nations. India and Bahrain enjoys high-level bilateral relations, which could be dated back to hundreds of years. Speaking to Tribune, Dr Varghese Kurian, Chairman of VKL Holdings and Al Namal Group of Companies, said the visit by Narendra Modi is nothing but a great honour for every Indian residing in the Kingdom.

“Modi’s economic policies, social commitment, hard work, dedication and right strategies have made him the tallest of all world leaders. “I am greatly impressed by his vision to develop India and his courage to take decisive actions. “Demonetisation was a master stroke to root out black money. The launching of many schemes including Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharath and initiatives like Make in India, Digital India and Skill India will take India to greater heights.

“India under the vision of Modi is targeting $1.44 trillion of capital investment in infrastructure by 2024, which will make India on par with any Western or advanced country.” Dr Kurian said that Modi’s visit will open a new chapter in the trade relations between India and Bahrain. “I am sure he will enjoy the hospitality and warmth of this beautiful island and its people.” Echoing a similar view, Mohammed Dadabhai, Chairman of Dadabhai Group, said the visit by Modi will certainly have a positive impact on the economies of Bahrain and India.

“We, the members of Indian community is overwhelmed to receive the Indian Prime Minister. This is his first visit to the Gulf countries after inaugurating his second term as premier. “I am expecting that the visit will further bolster trade ties between the Kingdom and India, especially in light of recent oil discovery at Khaleej Al Bahrain basin. “Indian institutions, of late, have emerged big players in the oil and gas sector and this is one field where India and Bahrain can further collaborate.

“We are thankful to the Kingdom’s leadership - His Majesty the King, HRH the Premier and HRH the Crown Prince for inviting Modi to the Kingdom. We should also acknowledge the remarkable efforts of Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha in this regard.” Bhagwan Asarpota, Owner of P Haridas Sons Company and Honorary Vice-Chairman of Thattai Bhatia Community, which manages Shri Krishna Hindu Temple in Manama, said Modi visit is a real honour for Indians residing in the Kingdom. “We are very much excited about the visit.

We are also quite fortunate as the visit coincides with the 200th year celebration of Manama Temple. “It’s a long-awaited visit, which has finally come true. Modiji’s visit is going to leave a remarkable memory in the history of the Kingdom. “We are fortunate to have Indian leaders including Sushma Swaraj and Atal Bihari Vajpayee making visits to the temple. “But it is for the first time that an Indian Prime Minister is set to visit the temple. We are very much thankful to him.”