External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday called for exploring new areas of cooperation between India and Bahrain in space, fintech, and technology, while reaffirming India’s full support for the Gaza Peace Plan to ensure a lasting solution in the region.
Delivering his opening remarks at the 5th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) meeting in New Delhi, held with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, Jaishankar underlined the centuries-old friendship between the two nations, rooted in robust trade relations and close people-to-people ties.
“Since our last GCC meeting, we have made significant progress bilaterally in defence, security, trade and commerce, health, culture and people-to-people ties. But there are new areas such as space, fintech and technology that hold considerable promise for our relationship,” Jaishankar said.
The Bahrain Foreign Minister, who is on a two-day visit to India, arrived in the national capital earlier in the day to co-chair the meeting with his Indian counterpart.
Jaishankar praised the growth in bilateral trade and investments between the two nations, urging Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in India. He also noted ongoing initiatives to deepen cooperation in healthcare and between respective space agencies, along with continued cultural and community exchanges.
“We have also seen a steady growth of bilateral trade and investment between our countries. We welcome investors from Bahrain to come and explore investment opportunities in India. The conclusion of a bilateral investment treaty and the establishment of a joint working group on trade and investment will further boost our economic ties,” Jaishankar said.
The minister added that India and Bahrain are advancing multiple collaborative efforts in healthcare, space technology, and culture. He also mentioned the recently launched electronic visa system aimed at encouraging travel between the two nations.
Highlighting India’s commitment to regional security, Jaishankar recalled the visit of three Indian naval ships to Bahrain in September 2025 and expressed gratitude to the Bahraini leadership for their support and care towards the Indian community residing there.
On regional affairs, the External Affairs Minister reaffirmed India’s support for the Gaza Peace Plan, stressing the need for a sustainable and enduring resolution to the crisis.
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“We thank the leadership of the Kingdom of Bahrain for taking care of the welfare of the Indian community, and let me also add that we have, at a regional level, seen unprecedented change not just in the region but even globally. So I take the opportunity to reiterate our support for the Gaza Peace Plan, which we hope will lead to a lasting and durable solution,” Jaishankar said.
He also congratulated Bahrain on successfully concluding the 21st Manama Dialogue and extended best wishes for its upcoming presidency of the GCC Summit, voicing optimism for deeper India-GCC engagement.
“We look forward to your support for further intensifying India-GCC cooperation,” the minister added.
Before the meeting, Jaishankar welcomed the Bahraini Foreign Minister to New Delhi, expressing optimism about the outcomes of the High Joint Commission discussions.
“Pleased to welcome FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani of Bahrain to New Delhi. Look forward to productive discussions of the 5th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission,” Jaishankar posted on X.
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