THE new walk-in visas were welcomed by Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty said yesterday.

The decision is a reflection of the increasing ties and closeness, as well as the strong bond of understanding between India and Bahrain, he told the GDN.

“This is a great news for Indians, the single largest expatriate group in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said Mr Shetty.

“This will give a great thrust to travel by our people between the two countries.

“It will also promote business co-operation between India and Bahrain, which is a major business hub in the Middle East , already linked to Saudi Arabia through the King Fahad Causeway and in future to be linked to Qatar through the new causeway.”

Mr Shetty said the new move would also encourage more Indian companies to set up in Bahrain.

“Easy movement of business visitors will help strengthen business ties,” he added.

Mr Shetty said relations between India and Bahrain were becoming more integrated.

“The trend is very clear. The opening of the Bahrain Embassy in New Delhi last year by Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa took our relationship to greater levels,” he added.

“The flexible visa rules will help us jointly explore new opportunities that will ensure a better future for our two peoples.

“It will also prove a great boon to thousands of families, who can invite their friends and relatives for short visit to this beautiful country.”

Russian Embassy charge d’affaires Igor Borkovskiy said he could comment only after the embassy gets official information.