The Prime Minister of India inaugurated a redevelopment project worth USD 4.2 million for a 200-year-old Lord Sri Krishna temple during his visit to the Bahraini capital, Manama. This marked the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Bahrain. The project is set to highlight the temple’s heritage and legacy and will include the construction of a new iconic complex which will house prayer halls and the sanctum sanctorum. This was followed by a series of agreements that serve to strengthen ties between the two nations in various fields, from security counter-terrorism to technology.
The Shreenathji (Shree Krishna) Temple Redevelopment
The 200-year-old Lord Sri Krishna temple, also referred to as Shreenathji, will undergo a significant transformation due to the USD 4.2M redevelopment project. The plan involves emphasizing its deep-rooted heritage and two-century-old history. As part of the redevelopment process, a new iconic complex is envisioned. This complex will encompass prayer halls and the sanctum sanctorum.
India-Bahrain Cooperation Enhancement
During the visit, both India and Bahrain vowed to step up their collaboration in the security and counter-terrorism field. Through a joint declaration, the countries called upon the international community to condemn terrorism infrastructures and cut off any form of support to terrorists.
Memorandums of Understanding
As part of the strengthening bilateral relations, an MoU was signed between BENEFIT, a Bahraini company responsible for handling ATM and POS transactions, and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The purpose of the MoU is to launch the RuPay card. Other Memorandums of Understanding were also inked on subjects regarding a cultural exchange programme, space technology, and solar energy.
| Mou Signed | Description |
|---|---|
| BENEFIT and NPCI | For the launch of RuPay card |
| Cultural Exchange Programme | To promote cultural exchange between the two countries |
| Space Technology | To advance technological collaboration in space explorations |
| Solar Energy | To bolster cooperation in solar energy sector |
Bahrain’s Interest in International Solar Alliance (ISA)
India welcomed Bahrain’s interest in joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The two nations also stressed the urgent need to undertake UN reforms, including the Security Council. This would involve expanding both categories of membership to make the council more representative and effective in managing global challenges
