Vast potential of cooperation between India-Bahrain: President Pranab Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: Highlighting that Bahrain is India's extended neighbourhood, President Pranab Mukherjee said there was vast potential for bilateral cooperation based on inherent strengths and complementarities of the two countries.


Speaking at a banquet hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan for visiting King of Bahrain Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Mukherjee said areas such as healthcare, environment, education, information technology and renewable energy sources offer vast opportunities for cooperation.

The President said the royal family of Bahrain played a pivotal role in promoting, enriching and diversifying relations between India and Bahrain for mutual benefit, a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

"The Gulf region is source of over half of India's energy needs, home to over seven million Indians and as a region, India's largest trading partner. It is part of India's extended neighbourhood. India has substantial stakes in peace and stability in the region," he said.

Underlining traditional ties between the two countries, Mukherjee said the two countries have in recent times, expanded their ties of trust and understanding into a comprehensive relationship across the full spectrum of political, economic, commercial and people-to-people contacts.

He said Bahrain has generously embraced a large number of Indian expatriates and encouraged them to flourish and prosper, which India deeply appreciates.

"On their part, Indians in Bahrain have worked with dedication and sincerity to contribute wholeheartedly to the development and progress of their host country. They provide an organic link with India and act as a strong bridge in the furtherance of our partnership," he said.