Rahul Gandhi to visit to Bahrain, meet PM

New Delhi   :  Congress President Rahul Gandhi will visit Bahrain on January 8 as part of his outreach to the Indian diaspora and will also meet the country's Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa.

Congress sources said Gandhi's visit is part of his interactions with Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). Gulf countries have the biggest Indian diaspora of more than 35 lakh.

Gandhi will be chief guest at the three-day valedictory function organised by 'Global Organisation of People of India Origin' (GOPIO) on January 8. Delegates from 50 countries are participating in the event.

The sources said the Crown Prince and First Deputy Premier Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa will host the lunch for Gandhi.

Apart from meeting the Bahrain Prime Minister, Gandhi is also likely to meet King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Gandhi will also have an interactive session with business leaders of Indian Origin.

It will be Gandhi's first foreign visit since his elevation as party chief in December. Gandhi had visited the US in September and addressed students.

Gandhi's outreach is being seen as a move to popularise Congress among the large Indian diaspora. Prime Minister Narendra Modi engages with the diaspora during his visits abroad.