Bahrain marks Indian Republic Day

On the occasion, Ambassador HE Piyush Srivastava unfurled the Indian Flag at the embassy premises in Seef and read excerpts from the address to the Indian citizens by their President Droupadi Murmu.

More than 1000 members of the Indian community, including representatives of Indian community associations, Indian schools, Indian professionals, workers & students braved rains to take part in the ceremony.

An ICRF Bulletin highlighting their activities of the past year was also released by the Ambassador. Students and bands from the Indian schools in Bahrain rendered the National Anthem during the occasion.

Earlier, marking the occasion, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister sent congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.

Separately, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended a reception yesterday held by the Embassy of India in the presence of ambassadors, top officials and other guests.

Dr Al Zayani congratulated the Indian ambassador, the Indian community and the Government of India, expressing pride in the close historical ties bonding the two friendly nations. The ministry also stressed Bahrain’s desire to further develop these ties as per the directives of HM King and HRH Prince Salman and benefit from pioneering Indian experience in economic development and technological progress.

The ties bonding Bahrain and India, Dr Al Zayani said, have their basis in mutual respect and effective communication. The minister also hailed the continuous cooperation between Bahrain and India in various economic and development fields.

The minister also expressed his appreciation of the honourable stands of the Indian Government, supporting vital issues in the Middle East and continuous support for efforts to promote international peace and security, promote values of tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity.

Celebrations in India yesterday had the participation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al -Sisi as chief guest and 144 soldiers from the Arab nation’s armed forces. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the chief of defence staff and the three service chiefs were present at a colourful parade at the revamped colonial avenue in New Delhi to mark Republic Day.

Several thousand people watched the parade from seats around Kartavya Path - or path of duty - braving the cold on a foggy morning in New Delhi, while millions more watched on television.