New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) India told Bahrain Wednesday that it hoped for a peaceful resolution of the current unrest in the Gulf state through dialogue.

Bahrain has assured India about the safety of the large Indian community in that country.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa arrived on a three-day visit to India Tuesday and met with his Indian counterpart, S.M. Krishna, who hosted a lunch in his honour Wednesday.

"The external affairs minister expressed the hope that the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue would pave the way for the continued economic development and prosperity of the friendly people of Bahrain," said a Ministry of External Affairs press statement here Wednesday.

The visiting minister also gave "firm reassurance" that the Bahraini government will ensure the "safety and security of the Indian community numbering well over 350,000 and appreciated their contribution to the progress and development of Bahrain".

Earlier, Sheikh al-Khalifa had met with the members of the Indian community in Manama March 26.

"External Affairs Minister thanked his counterpart for this reassurance with regard to the Indian community's well-being and expressed confidence that the law-abiding Indian community would continue to be a partner in Bahrain's growth story well into the future," said the press release.

Bahrain had been witnessing a series of protests organised by opposition Shia parties, which led to violent clashes with security forces. On March 15, the King of Bahrain had declared martial law and a three-month long state of emergency.

The visiting minister also met with Deputy National Security Advisor Vijaya Latha Reddy.