Madhav is highly regarded in banking circles for his expertise in policy advocacy specially in the areas of ESG, Internationalisation of Rupee and Digital Banking…reports Asian Lite News
Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) has announced the appointment of Madhav Nair as the Country Head & CEO for India.
Madhav flair has around 3 decades of commercial banking experience across India and Middle East. Madhav has done his Masters in Management (General Management & Strategy) from Asian Institute of Management, Philippines and Bachelors in Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology. Prior to joining BBK he has worked with several international banks in senior management positions and his last assignment was as Country Head & CEO of a bank in India which he successfully led for more than a decade.
Madhav is highly regarded in banking circles for his expertise in policy advocacy specially in the areas of ESG, Internationalisation of Rupee and Digital Banking. He is currently the Deputy Chairman of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), Co-Chairman of ASSOCHAM National Council for Banking and member of the National Committee on Banking & Finance, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), and Indian Merchants Chambers (IMC).
Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait is headquartered out of Bahrain and has four branches in India across Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Aluva (Kerala).
During the meeting, both sides discussed the close, historic ties between the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain….reports Asian Lite News
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on Monday received President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at his residence in Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and King Hamad discussed the close, historic ties between the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
They affirmed the special nature of these relations and their commitment to strengthen them further, and hoped that their countries would continue to prosper.
His Majesty the King of Bahrain expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to His Highness the President and the entire Al Nahyan family on the passing of Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He prayed to God to grant peace and mercy to the deceased, and solace and patience to all in this time of grief.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed thanked King Hamad for his heartfelt condolences and praised the strong ties between the UAE and Bahrain. He prayed to God to protect Bahrain from all harm.
The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Special Affairs Adviser at the Presidential Court.
Bahraini officials attending the meeting included His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and National Security Adviser; His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the Public Authority for Sports and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee; and a number of Sheikhs, dignitaries and officials.
The Bahraini Minister hailed the ongoing security cooperation and coordination between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News
Bahrain and Kuwait have discussed the security coordination between the two Gulf Arab countries, highlighting their commitment to reinforcing joint security operations, media reported.
The discussion was held on Tuesday between Bahraini Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and Kuwaiti Interior Ministry’s Undersecretary Anwar Al-Barjas, who was on a visit to Bahrain to attend the first meeting of the Joint Security Committee held by the Interior ministries of the two countries, Xinhua news agency reported.
The Bahraini Minister hailed the ongoing security cooperation and coordination between the two countries and their dedication to exchanging expertise in all security operations to protect security and general safety, the report said.
He briefed his Kuwaiti guest on the initiatives and programs adopted by his Ministry to reduce the country’s crime rates and promote community security, it added.
The two sides also reviewed regional security developments to promote joint efforts to tackle security challenges.
The Secretary conveyed the Government of India’s gratitude to the Leadership and the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community….reports Asian Lite News
Ausaf Sayeed, secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) co-chaired the 6th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) with Bahrain and both sides noted the growth of bilateral trade and economic collaboration with bilateral trade reaching close to USD 2 billion in FY 2022-23, according to the statement released by MEA.
Sayeed, who is on a 3-day visit to Bahrain from May 29-31, co-chaired the 6th FOC with Mohamed Ali Bahzad, Undersecretary (Consular Affairs), MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Bahrain. At the meeting, both sides reviewed all areas of bilateral cooperation including in the domains of security, space, youth, parliament, media & information, trade, energy including renewable energy, fintech, IT, Big Data, health, tourism, labour and consular issues, culture and education, people-to-people engagement, and discussed matters of mutual interest in regional and multilateral domains.
They also expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the relationship.
“They noted the impressive growth of bilateral trade and economic collaboration with bilateral trade reaching close to USD 2 billion in FY 2022-23, almost doubling from the pre-Covid period,” the statement read.
Both sides agreed to work towards forming a Joint Consular Committee to discuss cooperation between MEA India and MoFA Bahrain in the Consular Affairs Sector, the statement added.
During the visit, Secretary Sayeed called on Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro on Wednesday.
The Secretary also interacted with a cross-section of the Indian community in Bahrain including the Heads of Indian Associations, Indian Medical Fraternity and Indian Schools in Bahrain in a session held at the Embassy.
He reassured them of the high priority Government of India gave to regular engagement with the Indian diaspora and informed them about the Government of India’s support and various welfare initiatives.
The Secretary conveyed the Government of India’s gratitude to the Leadership and the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community.
“The visit was positively received by the Government and the people of Bahrain, and it provided an opportunity to review and discuss further strengthening multifaceted bilateral ties between the two countries,” the statement read. (ANI)
Following their arrival, the team had productive conversations with representatives from the participating countries…reports Asian Lite News
Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft is in Bahrain to take part in the inaugural Operation Compass Rose being carried out by the Combined Maritime Force (CMF). The long-range maritime surveillance aircraft is based at the INS Hansa naval air station near Dabolim, Goa.
Following their arrival, the team had productive conversations with representatives from the participating countries. This provided a forum for insightful conversations about issues of shared interest. The P-8I Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Commander Amit Mohapatra, also met Indian Ambassador to Bahrain Piyush Srivastava.
India decided to become an associate partner of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) at the 2+2 Ministerial discussions between India and the United States in April 2022. This action was aimed at improving cooperation on regional security in the western Indian Ocean.
After this, India formally began its cooperation with the CMF, an international partnership with its headquarters in Bahrain, in July 2022. The main goal of the CMF is to promote peace, stability, and prosperity over the enormous area of international waters, which measures around 3.2 million square miles. These waters encompass critical shipping lanes of global significance.
The CMF is a coalition of 34 nations and is commanded by a Vice Admiral of the US Navy who also serves as Commander of the US Naval Forces Centcom and US Fifth Fleet. All three commands are situated at the US Naval Support Activity in Bahrain.
The P-8I aircraft’s successful landing at Bahrain International Airport and the ensuing high-level encounters represent crucial milestones in developing camaraderie and bolstering alliances in the maritime realm.
INS Delhi makes port call in Malaysia
Indian Naval Ship INS Delhi arrived at Port Klang in Malaysia on Monday for three days as a part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet deployment to ASEAN countries.
INS Delhi will make a port call from May 29 to May 31 as part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet deployment to ASEAN nations. The founding members of ASEAN–Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand–signed the ASEAN declaration (also known as the Bangkok Declaration) on August 8, 1967, establishing the organisation.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is a political and economic union of ten Southeast Asian nations.
The visit of the Indian Naval vessel INS Delhi will see personnel from both navies engaging in professional and social interactions.
“Indigenously designed & built #INSDelhi, arrived at Port Klang, #Malaysia. The port call from 29-31 May 23 is part of #IndianNavy’s Eastern Fleet deployment to #ASEAN countries. #BridgesofFriendship,” the official handle of the Indian Navy wrote on Twitter.
“The visit will see personnel from both navies engaging in professional & social interactions consolidating the strong bonds of friendship between #India and #Malaysia,” the tweet added.
INS Delhi is India’s first indigenously built guided missile Destroyer. The ship is equipped with various weapons and sensors and can carry multi-role helicopters. (India News Network/ANI)
Apart from Eric Garcetti, Qatar’s Ambassador to India Mohammed Hassan Jabir Al-Jabir and Monaco’s Ambassador Didier Gamerdinger, Monaco presented their credentials to the President…reports Asian Lite News
India appointed three new envoys for three different countries, the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Norway.
Bharath Kumar Kuthati, a 2006 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Botswana. Another one is Vinod K Jacob, a 2000 batch IFS officer, presently Deputy High Commissioner in the High Commission of India, Colombo has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Meanwhile, Acquino Vimal, who is also from the 2000 batch, an IFS officer, is presently Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of India, Beijing. He has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Norway.
All three are expected to take up the assignment shortly.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and envoys of Qatar and the Principality of Monaco on Thursday presented their credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from the Ambassadors of the United States of America, Qatar and Monaco at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan release said.
Apart from Eric Garcetti, Qatar’s Ambassador to India Mohammed Hassan Jabir Al-Jabir and Monaco’s Ambassador Didier Gamerdinger, Monaco presented their credentials to the President.
Garcetti, former mayor of Los Angeles, was sworn in by US Vice President Kamala Harris as the new US Ambassador to India in March this year. Earlier, the Senate confirmed his appointment as the next US ambassador to India.
On Garcetti’s arrival in India, Indian Embassy in the US tweeted, “Namaste, Ambassador-Designate Eric Garcetti! We’re thrilled to welcome you to #IncredibleIndia and work with you to build even stronger ties between our two great nations.”
The US Embassy in India had been without an ambassador since January 2021, which is the longest stretch in the history of US-India relations that the post remained vacant.
Kenneth Juster had stepped down after the change of government in the United States. (ANI)
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that it is an important step towards supporting the efforts to advance joint Gulf action…reports Asian Lite News
The Qatari-Bahraini Follow-up Committee decided to restore diplomatic relations between Qatar and Bahrain in line with the principles of the UN Charter and the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.
The decision was made during the second meeting of the committee at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Xinhua news agency reported.
Both sides have said that the decision stems from a mutual desire to foster the development of bilateral relations and promote integration and unity within the Gulf region, in accordance with the principles outlined in the GCC Charter, it said.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomes resumption of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Qatarhttps://t.co/TBqXZjLBHD
— وزارة الخارجية والتعاون الدولي (@MoFAICUAE) April 13, 2023
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, welcomed the agreement to resume diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Qatar, stressing that it is an important step towards supporting the efforts to advance joint Gulf action, for a brighter future for the GCC countries to achieve prosperity and benefit the two nations in serving their common interests.
Sheikh Abdullah wished both countries further prosperity and development.
Saudi Arabia welcomes the decision by Qatar and Bahrain to resume diplomatic ties between the two countries, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said on Thursday.
The ministry commended the positive step and said it confirms the strength of relations between GCC countries. It added that the move would contribute to strengthening joint Gulf action in a way that achieves the aspirations of countries and peoples in the region.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt broke diplomatic ties with Qatar in 2017, and imposed sanctions and blockades, due to religious and geopolitical rows.
During a GCC summit in 2021, Saudi Arabia and other countries lifted the boycotts and resumed links with Qatar.
With the Licence, companies will enjoy a wide range of privileges and benefits, including prioritised allocation of land for investments…reports Asian Lite News
Bahrain has announced the launch of a Golden Licence, providing incentives and streamlined services to foreign and local businesses with large-scale investment projects in Bahrain, in an important step in the country’s pursuit to incentivise investments and boost job creation under its fiscal and economic reforms, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
The move builds upon the growing investment attractiveness of Bahrain, which has recently recorded its highest Real GDP growth rate in almost a decade.
Companies with major investment and strategic projects that will create more than 500 jobs in Bahrain, or those with investment value exceeding US$ 50 million, will be eligible for the Licence.
With the Licence, companies will enjoy a wide range of privileges and benefits, including prioritised allocation of land for investments, infrastructure services and utilities. They will also have streamlined access to government services – including business licensing and building permit approval, as well as support from Bahrain’s Labour Fund, Tamkeen, and Bahrain Development Bank.
Introduced by Bahrain’s Cabinet, which was chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Licence aims to attract investments from local and international companies, and create jobs locally. These are priorities of the Economic Recovery Plan, the blueprint of Bahrain’s fiscal and economic reforms introduced in 2021 that has been the driving force of the country’s recent robust economic performance.
Further advantages under the Licence include integrated cooperation with various government departments, a designated account manager from Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, as well as potential review of existing laws or regulations where necessary and applicable.
Direct talks are reportedly being held between Iran and Bahrain on the restoration of bilateral relations, after the former’s Saudi rapprochement….reports Asian Lite News
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has said that “good” diplomatic moves are being made toward the normalisation of Iran’s relations with Bahrain.
The official spokesperson of Iranian Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanaani made the remarks in an interview with the Iranian state-own Arabic-language news channel Al-Alam, expressing optimism that Iran would normalise its ties with Bahrain, as well as other regional countries.
Kanaani stressed that the Iranian government is determined to improve relations with all regional states based on common interests.
Speaking at a weekly press conference, the Spokesperson said the recent detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia will have other positive regional impacts, such as leading to a rapprochement between Iran and Bahrain, Xinhua news agency reported.
Media reports said on Tuesday that direct talks are being held between Iran and Bahrain on the restoration of bilateral relations, and the results are expected to be announced in the near future.
Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 after Saudi Arabia cut its ties with Tehran in response to the attacks on the Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the kingdom executed a Shia cleric.
China, Saudi Arabia and Iran on Friday announced that the latter two had reached a deal that includes the agreement to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months.
Am 22.06.2021 emfping Außenminister Alexander Schallenberg den Außenminister Saudi-Arabiens Prinz Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud zu einem Arbeitsbesuch in Wien.
Yet to reach consensus: Saudi
The agreement to restore ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran underscores the joint desire by both sides to “resolve disputes through communication and dialogue”, said Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
However, he added, “This does not mean that we have reached a resolution to all outstanding differences between our two countries.”
Prince Faisal told Asharq Al Awsat in remarks published on Sunday: “We, in the kingdom, hope to open a new page with Iran and enhance the prospects for co-operation in a way that reflects positively on the consolidation of security and stability, and the advancement of development and prosperity, not only in our two countries but in the region as a whole.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attends a meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and delivers an important speech, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei/IANS)
China gets praise
Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday that China’s important role in resuming Tehran-Riyadh relations is part of Beijing’s efforts to help ensure peace, stability and security in the Middle East.
By hosting the Iranian and Saudi Arabian delegations and exchanging messages between the two sides, China managed to prepare the ground, with goodwill, for holding a successful meeting for the achievement of the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the ministry’s spokesperson Nasser Kanaani told a weekly press conference.
Iran always praises such roles, as ensuring peace, stability and security in the region is contributing to safeguarding the collective interests of all countries that seek their benefits in stability and security, Kanaani said, adding that the Chinese government’s role served the common good and all sides’ interests.
With their ties returning to normalcy, Tehran and Riyadh, by expanding their cooperation, cannot only serve their own interests, but also have a favourable impact on enhancing regional cooperation and convergence, he said, adding the agreement will also have positive influence in the international arena.
Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Saudi Arabia’s minister of state, member of the Council of Ministers and national security adviser, led the Saudi delegation, and Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, led the Iranian delegation during talks in Beijing from March 6 to 10, according to a trilateral statement issued by China, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
UN Yemen envoy in Iran
UN Yemen envoy Hans Grundberg has visited Iran to drum up support for the diplomatic push to bring about peace in Yemen and renew the UN-brokered truce, the Arab News reported.
The envoy’s office said that Grundberg met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other Iranian officials to discuss the launch of more inclusive peace negotiations between Yemen’s warring groups to end the country’s eight-year war.
“Discussions tackled the need for regional support for the start of an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices to sustainably end the conflict. During meetings, Grundberg stressed that ending the conflict in Yemen is important for enhancing regional security.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that Amir-Abdollahian emphasized his country’s support for the truce, UN-led efforts to establish peace in Yemen and an end to Yemen’s “inhumane blockade.”
The ministry said on its website: “Amir-Abdollahian said the Islamic Republic of Iran backs any negotiations which would help establish peace and stability in Yemen.”
The event was attended by 126 male and female riders representing 36 countries worldwide…reports Asian Lite News
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, today attended a luncheon hosted by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs in Bahrain.
The banquet was held at Al Marmoum on the occasion of winning the World Endurance Championship yesterday in Abu Dhabi.
The event was attended by 126 male and female riders representing 36 countries worldwide.
The banquet was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs in the Presidential Court; Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, General Sports Authority and Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President.
