TODAY marks India’s 74th Republic Day, with Indians and Bahrainis celebrating the occasion with pomp and commemorating the deep ties between the two countries.
The special day marks the historic event on January 26, 1950 when the Indian Constitution came into effect, making the country a sovereign state and declaring it a republic.
When it was formally adopted, the Indian Constitution replaced the British colonial Government of India Act (1935) as the country’s governing text.
The Constitution establishes fundamental rights and duties for all citizens of India, regardless of their political beliefs.
Republic Day commemorates the spirit of independent and individual India and Indian citizens’ power to choose their government democratically.
All government institutions, schools and colleges hoist the country’s tricoloured national flag and host a colourful array of social and cultural events.
Additionally, Padma Awards will be distributed by India’s President Droupadi Murmu to deserving civilians to honour their contribution to the nation and brave soldiers are awarded the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra.
The day is marked in Bahrain by numerous community clubs as well as a number of Indian CBSE curriculum schools.
There are more than 350,000 Indian residents in Bahrain – the largest expatriate population – and many of the kingdom’s prominent figures have had close ties with the country over the past decades.
The last year has been particularly notable as both countries have moved towards further deepening diplomatic, political, defence, economic and social ties.
In 2022, Bahrain became the 86th country to join the International Solar Alliance, which was founded in India in 2015. In turn, India became an associate partner in the Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
Bahrain’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Political Affairs Under-Secretary Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa visited India last year and both countries agreed to strengthen co-operation in diverse fields of trade and investment including hydrocarbons, renewable energy, health, pharmaceuticals, information technology, fintech, food security, civil aviation, defence and security.
Conducted as part of the fifth Foreign Office Consultations, the discussions also covered broadening social ties with a focus on youth, skill development and start-ups.
Economic and business delegations from both countries have been meeting each other, with the Indian National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) delegation, comprised of leading IT companies’ representatives, visiting Bahrain. As a result, India continues to be one of Bahrain’s top trading partners and last year marked the Golden Jubilee of official diplomatic ties between the two countries.
On the cultural front, more than 50 top artists from India visited Bahrain in 2022, as did world-renowned yogi and spiritual leader Sadhguru.
The two countries share long-standing ties spanning 5,000 years, tracing their origins to the Dilmun civilisation in Bahrain and the Indus Valley civilisation in India.
Ancient Bahraini traders are believed to have enjoyed flourishing trade links featuring Bahraini pearls and spices from India.
As India comes together to celebrate its 74th Republic Day, the country and Bahrain look set to build a stronger and more sustainable future together in the years to come.
&uuid=(email))