Good luck ambassador

Balkrishna Shetty, the well loved and highly respected Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, last night left the shores of the kingdom with wife Vasundhara to make friends with the Swedes and Lativians.

Always positive of the Indo-Bahraini relationship, he spoke of the strength of this historic relationship and what the future could hold for both the countries to GulfWeekly.

Speaking affectionately about this long association, he said: "Bahrain is special because it is the most liberal and most tolerant country in the Gulf and the Indian community has taken the country to its heart.

"I feel that the Indo-Bahraini relationship is very special as it is founded on the old values of commitment, loyalty, integrity and honesty. The Royal family, leaders in Bahrain, leading business houses and common men have repeatedly told me how they value this relationship for what Indians have done and what they are doing.

"As governments and as diplomats our job is to build on this strong foundation. I believe diplomacy is not only between governments ... it is about people. I think we can only strengthen those bonds built on values of hard work, understanding, friendship, tolerance and trust, which are very unique qualities in the modern world especially in the globalised world.

"Today there is so much of competition ... when somebody makes a mistake somewhere people are affected thousands of kilometres away. With these ties of friendship and trust whatever be the situation you can always look out to each other for help."

Both countries, he said, are today among the fastest growing economies of the world. People of both nations enjoy similar values, culture and cuisine and have been attracted to each other for the opportunities offered in education, trade and business.

Indians are today among the largest resident expatriate population in the kingdom. They are not just in the construction sector but are also employed in the financial sector and in some of the highest paid jobs in the kingdom.

And, he predicts that the relationship of India and Bahrain will continue to blossom and develop in more ways than one. Mr Shetty said: "India and Bahrain are on the rise again. Business is booming in both countries. I have seen the skyline of Bahrain change in the last three years.

"Earlier we came as sailors, traders, tailors ... and brought with us a set of good values along with business acumen. Today we have added to that a tremendous range of other things ... educational skills whether it is in engineering, teaching, financial skills, IT, science and technology.

"The modern phase of India has the same cultural vibrancy which is there in our literature, song, dance and films and these have also been translated and exploited in terms of understanding science, technology, entrepreneurship and business.

"Therefore the world of today and tomorrow is going to be a world of ideas and knowledge.

"It has been recognised that India has a tremendous capacity and capability to be a superpower as far as knowledge is concerned. Indians are in the frontiers of knowledge, nuclear energy, physics, mathematics, biotechnology and in space."

With the recent signing of the Indo-US Civilian Nuclear 123 Agreement, Mr Shetty believes his nation is standing at the brink of a new phase of development.

"The point about the 123 agreement is that we have access to nuclear technology and nuclear commerce which will help Indian economy; industry and business," he added.

"And, therefore, we will see in the next five years a new wave of technology entrepreneurs and a new wave of business dynamism. The deal was made India-specific. It is a recognition that India has arrived. And that India will add value to the world's welfare, world peace and harmony.

"We have the capacity, capability and the commitment and will to ensure peace, harmony and prosperity. And that is the real message of the 123 deal. India will be a global hub. We are known to be good ... but we will be known to be good and strong."