EAM Jaishankar Co-Chairs 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission in Manama

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani in Manama on Monday. The discussion covered strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities in space, education, FinTech, and technology.

Jaishankar expressed his satisfaction on co-chairing the meeting, saying, “Pleased to co-chair the 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting alongside FM Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani in Manama today.” He mentioned that they took stock of their relationship, focusing on trade, investments, healthcare, energy, security, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed new opportunities in emerging sectors.

At the meeting, Jaishankar said, “I’m deeply privileged to join you in co-hosting the fourth high joint commission between our two countries… I look forward to a very open and constructive discussion on this broad-based agenda.”

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Jaishankar emphasized the progress made in trade and investment in recent years, adding, “Our continued meetings and high-level interactions testify to the strong bonds of friendship… The task for us today is to build on those driven by a common commitment to peace, security, and prosperity.” He highlighted India’s desire to foster cooperation with Bahrain in areas like space, education, fintech, science, and technology.

Regarding security, Jaishankar noted, “We also co-operate closely on defence and security matters,” mentioning India’s participation in the Combined Maritime Forces headquartered in Manama to strengthen regional maritime security.

He affirmed that Bahrain is a “particularly valuable partner” in the Gulf region, and expressed gratitude for Bahrain’s support in regional and multilateral forums. Jaishankar also praised the role of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain, calling them a “connecting bridge” between the two nations.

On the West Asia conflict, Jaishankar stressed the importance of peace and stability in the region. He reaffirmed India’s position of condemning terrorism while supporting the Palestinian people, stating, “We condemn acts of terrorism and loss of civilian lives in the conflict.” Jaishankar also advocated for safe humanitarian aid to Palestine, an early ceasefire, and the release of all hostages. He reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution for Palestine and praised Gulf countries for their contributions in the same direction.