NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar today highlighted the consistent growth in bilateral trade and investment between India and Bahrain, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership at the 5th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting in New Delhi.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Jaishankar noted that both nations have witnessed significant progress in bilateral engagement across key areas, including Trade and Commerce, Investment and Finance, Defence and Security, Health, Culture, and People-to-People ties
The External Affairs Minister underlined the recent launch of the Electronic Visa (E-Visa) System as a key step taken by India to encourage visits from Bahraini nationals. He also extended an invitation to investors from the Kingdom of Bahrain to actively explore the vast investment opportunities available in India.
Dr. Jaishankar further extended his best wishes to Bahrain for its upcoming role as the President of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) at the Manama Summit next month.
Highlighting the defense cooperation, the Minister recalled the visit of three Indian naval ships to Bahrain in September this year, which he stated helped reinforce bilateral friendship and the Indian Navy’s commitment to regional maritime security. He also expressed gratitude to the Bahraini leadership for their continued support for the welfare of the Indian community residing in the Kingdom.
Responding to the remarks, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani emphasized the profound historical ties between the two nations, which he noted extend back nearly five thousand years, rooted in centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Dr. Alzayani affirmed that these strong economic links remain central to the modern relationship, which has flourished across various fields. He specifically mentioned that India continues to be one of Bahrain’s primary trading partners.