Jaishankar-Bahrain Dialogue Amplifies India’s Role in Gulf Cooperation and Beyond

In a phone conversation from New York, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar highlighted the longstanding and evolving partnership between India and Bahrain with his counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. They reviewed the steady progress in bilateral relations, confirming plans toward finalizing an ambitious trade deal and initiating negotiations on a double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA), aimed at fostering investment and eliminating tax hurdles.

The talks underscored Bahrain’s vital role in West Asia, where it hosts over 332,000 Indian nationals, nearly a quarter of the country’s population. Two-way trade between the nations reached USD 1.64 billion in 2024-25, marking significant growth. They exchanged views on regional security and emerging sectors including space, fintech, and cyber technology, demonstrating a forward-looking agenda.

Earlier dialogues in New Delhi saw commitments to strengthen cooperation in defense, security, health, culture, and people-to-people ties. With Bahrain assuming the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) presidency, both leaders expressed confidence in deepening India-GCC relations for regional peace and prosperity.

Key Highlights:

Jaishankar and Bahraini FM discussed deepening multifaceted bilateral partnership.

Progress on trade deal negotiations and upcoming DTAA to boost investment.

India-Bahrain trade hit USD 1.64 billion in 2024-25; strong people-to-people ties.

Focus on emerging sectors: space, fintech, cybersecurity.

Bahrain hosts over 332,000 Indians, critical to bilateral relations.

Cooperation spans defense, security, health, culture, and GCC collaboration.

Sources: The New Indian Express, Business Standard, IANS, The Hindu Business Line