External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar landed in Manama on Saturday evening to attend the 20th edition of the IISS Manama Dialogue. His visit, which follows a series of strategic diplomatic discussions in Doha, underscores India’s active role in addressing regional and global challenges.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, warmly welcomed Jaishankar, signaling a productive start to the second leg of his diplomatic tour.
In Doha, Jaishankar participated in a panel discussion at the Doha Forum 2024 titled “Conflict Mediation in a New Era,” where he highlighted the impact of regional instability on Indian interests, particularly in the Red Sea shipping routes. Sharing the stage with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Norway’s Foreign Minister, he reflected on emerging global conflicts, including tensions between Israel and Iran.
The minister also held talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, addressing bilateral ties and regional crises in Gaza and Syria. He met with Qatar’s Commerce and Industry Minister Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani to discuss economic partnerships and World Economic Forum President Borge Brende on global economic challenges.
In Bahrain, Jaishankar will co-chair the 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission with Dr. Al Zayani to strengthen bilateral relations and explore cooperation in trade, energy, and cultural exchanges. He will also participate in the Manama Dialogue, which focuses on “Middle East Leadership in Shaping Regional Prosperity and Security.” The forum, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), is a key platform for addressing Middle Eastern security, fostering counterterrorism strategies, and driving innovative diplomacy.