External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, praised the Indian community in Bahrain for serving as a vital link between the two countries. They emphasized the importance of cooperation in various fields, including healthcare, tourism, and education.
In a joint statement released on Monday following the 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs stated, “Both sides appreciated the role of the Indian community in Bahrain as an important link between the two countries and acknowledged their vital contribution to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s development. The Indian side commended Bahrain’s liberal policies of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, as well as its welcoming society, which has made the country a preferred destination for Indian professionals, workers, and their families. Both sides recognized the close cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped mitigate its impact. The Indian side thanked Bahrain’s leadership and government for granting royal pardons to more than 125 Indian nationals over the last year, reflecting Bahrain’s generosity.”
Mr. Jaishankar and Dr. Alzayani co-chaired the meeting in Manama, Bahrain. India and Bahrain established the HJC under an MOU they signed during the state visit of Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, to India from February 18-20, 2014.
Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the growth in two-way tourism and the increasing number of Bahraini students pursuing higher education in India. The MEA said, “The two Foreign Ministers expressed satisfaction at the exponential increase in two-way tourism and its positive impact on people-to-people ties and on trade and economic relations.”
They agreed to broaden bilateral cooperation in the education sector. In this regard, India welcomed more Bahraini students who wish to enroll in leading Indian higher education institutes. Both sides also stressed the importance of signing a Memorandum of Understanding between their governments to enhance education cooperation.
They further agreed to strengthen cooperation on consular issues and welcomed the decision to establish a Joint Consular Committee to address matters of mutual interest.
The meeting also highlighted the ongoing expansion of cultural exchanges. Both nations agreed to renew their Cultural Exchange Program and work on new initiatives to deepen cultural ties. The MEA noted, “Both sides recalled the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) signed for 2019-2023 and expressed satisfaction with its role in strengthening historical cultural bonds. The EAM expressed happiness at the successful visit of Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa to India for the 46th WHC of UNESCO in New Delhi in July 2024 and his meeting with Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Tourism of India, to advance bilateral cultural cooperation. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on renewing the Cultural Exchange Program for the period 2025-2029.”
The Indian side acknowledged that the bilateral security dialogue and the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on combating international terrorism serve as crucial frameworks for institutionalizing security cooperation, including in the area of cybersecurity. Both sides agreed to hold the third security dialogue and the third JSC at the earliest opportunity.
Both ministers reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called on all states to reject and cease using terrorism against other countries.
Bahrain congratulated India on successfully hosting the G20 summit, which carried the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Earth, One Family, One Future.” The Indian side thanked Bahrain for its participation, including at the Y-20 Summit.
Jaishankar appreciated Bahrain’s participation in all three editions of the “Voice of Global South” Summits, reflecting the shared commitment to uniting countries of the Global South to discuss their development perspectives and priorities. He also thanked Dr. Alzayani for providing valuable insights during the Foreign Ministers’ Session on “Global South and Global Governance” at the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit held in August 2024. Both countries noted their strong convergences on several contemporary global issues, including the need for effective global governance reforms and equitable access for Global South countries to clean and green technologies.
India congratulated Bahrain on assuming the Presidency of the Arab League this year and commended the outstanding organization of the Arab League Summit in Manama in May 2024. India also expressed hope that Bahrain would continue to be a partner in strengthening India’s close ties with GCC countries, following the successful India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh in September 2024.
Additionally, both nations agreed to enhance collaboration on global challenges and to advance peace efforts in the Middle East. “Both sides discussed key global developments, as well as regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest,” the MEA said. “They view each other as key regional partners, working together to foster a more peaceful and inclusive global community in West Asia. The Indian side welcomed Bahrain’s proposal to host an international conference for peace in the Middle East.”
Both sides stressed the importance of convening meetings of existing bilateral mechanisms, including Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) and Joint Committee Meetings under the MoU on workforce and development. They agreed to hold the seventh FOC in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date to follow up on the HJC’s decisions. They also agreed to hold the fifth meeting of the High Joint Commission in India, with the dates to be finalized through diplomatic channels.
Mr. Jaishankar visited Bahrain from December 7 to 9 at Alzayani’s invitation. During his visit, he also met with Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.