bahrainthismonth.com | AUGUST 2025 INDIA IN BAHRAIN 21 through UNRWA and in development projects like hospitals and vocational training. Beyond geopolitics, I see our growing trade and investment numbers as concrete outcomes of this deepening partnership. Tourism is a growing area of interest. What initiatives is the Embassy pursuing to promote travel to India? Tourism is close to my heart. We’ve launched a Focus State or Union Territory Initiative, where we spotlight a region every two months. Right now, we’re focusing on Bihar and Jharkhand, showcasing their tourism appeal, crafts and business products through the ‘One District, One Product’ initiative. Another initiative is the ‘Visit Embassy’ programme, where we’ve invited students from 12 Bahraini government schools to the Embassy. This helps sow the seeds of curiosity and future engagement. We’re also active in promoting medical and wellness tourism, especially for Bahrainis and the wider expat community. You’ve travelled extensively in India. Which places have stood out to you recently? I recently visited Kochi and Ladakh. Ladakh especially has transformed dramatically since my last visit over two decades ago. From agriculture to crafts and hospitality, the progress is tangible. India changes so fast that every time you return, even after a year or two, it feels like visiting a new country. I often say visit India twice a year, pick two new places each time, and you’ll still only scratch the surface after a decade. How does the Embassy support Indian cultural promotion in Bahrain? We work hand-in-hand with the Bahraini government and private stakeholders. Earlier this year, we hosted two Indian Film Festivals, screening films in Hindi, Punjabi and Marathi. We also organised the ‘India in Bahrain’ cultural festival at Lulu Hypermarket in Dana Mall. The 11th International Day of Yoga was another standout event, with several curtain raisers and community engagement. Bahrainis are already deeply familiar with Indian culture, from Bollywood to cuisine, from dance to traditional medicine. What we try to do is deepen that appreciation, especially with newer generations. What about the educational front? Are there scholarships or collaborations underway? Absolutely. Education is a growing part of our engagement strategy. We promote scholarships such as ICCR, ITEC and SPDC for Indian students and Bahraini nationals. Our ‘Visit Embassy’ programme targets younger school students to raise awareness of higher education opportunities in India. With over 1,000 universities, India has become a key education destination for countries around the world. We would love to see more Bahrainis studying in India. With Indian Independence Day approaching, what message would you like to share with the community in Bahrain? We will be celebrating with a flag-hoisting ceremony on August 15 and the reading of the speech of the Honourable President of India, Madam Droupadi Murmu. There will be emphasis on opportunity for investors and collaborators, from smart cities to manufacturing. We’ll continue showcasing Bihar and Jharkhand during the festivities. To the Indian community: you are the backbone of this bilateral relationship. Your contribution to Bahraini society and the economy is invaluable. Bahrain is a tolerant and welcoming nation. I urge all Indian nationals to remain respectful of local laws and customs, continue to be calm in challenging situations and deepen your integration in this beautiful country. Together, we can make our partnership even more resilient and we will continue to support Bahrain in all its regional and international aspirations including for the upcoming term in the UN Security Council. BIHAR JHARKHAND
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