Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the USD 4.2 million redevelopment project of the 200-year-old Lord Sri Krishna temple in the Bahraini capital during his two-day visit to the Gulf nation.

The Shreenathji Hindu temple:

The facelift for the Shreenathji (Shree Krishna) Hindu temple in Manama will kick off later this year. The USD 4.2 million redevelopment project will be on a piece of land measuring 16,500 square feet and the new four-floor structure covering 45,000 square feet will have an overall height of 30 meters. During his visit, PM Modi addressed the Indian community in Bahrain during his three-nation tour on Saturday evening. Speaking in Bahrain amid loud cheers by the Indian community, PM Modi said that he is overwhelmed with the love that he received from the people in Bahrain. He added that he feels fortunate to be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Bahrain.

READ: 'Diversity, Colours Are India's Strength': PM Modi In Bahrain

Addressing the Indian community, PM Modi got emotional and paid his condolences to former Finance Minister Arun Jaitely on his untimely demise in Delhi. The Prime Minister expressed sadness over the demise of Arun Jaitley and former EAM Sushma Swaraj.

PM Modi in Bahrain

PM Modi arrived in Bahrain on Saturday morning to hold extensive talks with the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on various bilateral and regional issues. His visit to Bahrain is significant as it is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the country. During his visit, he will be witnessing the formal beginning of the re-development of the temple of Shreenathji -- the oldest in the Gulf region. 

READ: PM Modi Meets Bahrain Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa

PM Modi conferred with 'Order Of Zayed'

Earlier on Saturday, PM Modi was honoured with the 'Order of Zayed', the UAE's highest civilian award in a recognition of his pivotal role in building the strategic relationship between the two countries. He was conferred the award by the Abu Dhabi crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. Receiving the award, PM Modi thanked the UAE government for the honour and dedicated the award to the skills and abilities of 1.3 billion Indians. After his visit to the UAE, he headed for Bahrain for the last leg of his tour. 

READ: PM Modi Pays An Emotional Tribute To Friend Arun Jaitley In Bahrain

(With PTI Inputs)