New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday stressed the need to explore new areas of cooperation between India and Bahrain in emerging sectors such as space, fintech, and technology. He also reaffirmed India’s full support for the Gaza peace plan for a lasting solution in the region.
In his opening remarks at the fifth India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) meeting with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, the External Affairs Minister highlighted the centuries-old friendship between the two countries, which is based on strong trade ties and people-to-people ties. Jaishankar said, “Since our last GCC meeting, we have made significant progress bilaterally in defense, security, trade and commerce, health, culture, and people-to-people relations, but there are also new areas such as space, fintech, and technology that hold great promise for our relationship.”
Bahraini Foreign Minister on a two-day visit to India
The Bahraini Foreign Minister arrived in the national capital this morning and is currently on a two-day visit to India. During his address, the Foreign Minister highlighted the steady growth in bilateral trade and investment and encouraged Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in India.
‘Continuous Growth in Trade and Investment’
He mentioned ongoing initiatives to strengthen healthcare cooperation, cooperation between space agencies, and vibrant cultural exchanges. Jaishankar said, “We have also seen a steady growth in bilateral trade and investment between our countries. We welcome Bahraini investors to explore investment opportunities in India. The signing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty and the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment will further boost our economic ties.” He further said, “We are working on various initiatives to strengthen our cooperation in the healthcare sector. Our space agencies are also making progress in deepening their cooperation. We have vibrant cooperation in the field of culture and strong people-to-people ties.”
“Launch of Electronic Visa System”
Highlighting India’s commitment to regional security, he mentioned the visit of three Indian naval ships to Bahrain in September 2025 and expressed gratitude to the country’s leadership for the welfare of the Indian community. He also announced progress in healthcare initiatives and space agency cooperation between the two countries, as well as the launch of an electronic visa system earlier this year to encourage visitors to Bahrain.
Support for the Gaza Peace Plan
On regional issues, Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for the Gaza Peace Plan and stressed the need for a lasting and durable solution. The External Affairs Minister said, “We thank the leadership of the Kingdom of Bahrain for taking care of the welfare of the Indian community, and I would also like to add that we have seen unprecedented change not only in the region but also globally. Therefore, I take this opportunity to reiterate my support for the Gaza Peace Plan, which we hope will lead to a lasting and durable solution.”
He congratulated Bahrain on the successful conclusion of the 21st Manama Dialogue and wished Bahrain well for its chairmanship of the upcoming GCC Summit. He expressed hope for further deepening India-GCC cooperation.
He said, “We look forward to your support in further expanding India-GCC cooperation.” Before the meeting, Jaishankar welcomed the Bahraini Foreign Minister to the Indian capital and said he looked forward to productive discussions at the High Joint Commission meeting. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Delighted to welcome Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani to New Delhi. Looking forward to productive discussions at the 5th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission.”
