New Delhi, November 4, 2025 – In a robust display of deepening bilateral synergy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the 5th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting here today, pushing for expanded collaborations in trade, space exploration, and fintech while unequivocally reaffirming India's support for a sustainable peace plan in Gaza. The talks, held with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, signal a strategic pivot toward Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) integration, with Bahrain's upcoming presidency poised to amplify New Delhi's regional footprint.
Jaishankar, opening the high-level huddle at the Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, underscored the "steady and promising growth" in bilateral trade, which crossed $2 billion last fiscal and is eyeing a 20% surge by 2027 through a forthcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). "From hydrocarbons to halal exports, our economic tapestry is weaving stronger threads. Today, we launch negotiations for an ambitious trade deal and investment pact that will unlock doors in fintech and digital payments," the EAM declared, spotlighting Bahrain's Tamkeen Fund as a gateway for Indian startups in Manama's burgeoning fintech hub. He extended a special invitation to Bahraini investors, promising streamlined visas and co-innovation parks in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Venturing into futuristic frontiers, Jaishankar advocated joint ventures in space technology, leveraging ISRO's expertise alongside Bahrain's nascent National Space Science Agency. "Imagine co-developed satellites for maritime surveillance in the Arabian Sea or AI-driven climate monitoring – these aren't distant dreams but deliverables," he noted, echoing recent defense overtures like the September port call by three Indian naval ships – INS Surat, Delhi, and Udaygiri – which Al Zayani hailed as a "reinforcement of our shared maritime heritage." The duo greenlit a working group on space cooperation, with initial pacts slated for the India-GCC Summit next year.
On the geopolitical canvas, Jaishankar reiterated India's steadfast commitment to Middle East stability, explicitly backing the "Trump peace plan" for Gaza as a viable two-state blueprint amid escalating Israel-Hamas tensions. "India stands with Bahrain and the Arab world for a lasting resolution – humanitarian corridors, reconstruction aid, and dialogue over discord," he affirmed, drawing nods from Al Zayani, who praised New Delhi's balanced UN abstentions and $100 million aid to Palestine since October 2023. This alignment, analysts say, bolsters India's bid for a larger GCC role, with Bahrain – as incoming president – urged to champion visa waivers and energy corridors.
The meeting, the first since the 2022 elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership, reviewed milestones like the $1.5 billion in Bahraini investments in Indian realty and renewables. Al Zayani reciprocated by floating a "Bahrain-India Fintech Bridge" initiative, targeting remittances for the 3 lakh-strong Indian diaspora in the Kingdom. "Our partnership transcends borders; it's a bridge of prosperity," he remarked, toasting to enhanced people-to-people links via direct flights and cultural exchanges.
As Bahrain gears up for its GCC helm from January 2026, Jaishankar expressed optimism: "With Bahrain at the wheel, India-GCC ties will accelerate – from joint military drills to quantum computing labs." The joint statement, signed amid a ceremonial lunch featuring Bahraini machboos and Indian biryani, outlined 12 new MoUs, including defense co-production and AI ethics frameworks.
This diplomatic thrust arrives as India navigates a multipolar world, balancing West Asian equities with Quad imperatives. Experts like Gulf analyst Talmiz Ahmad view it as "pragmatic realpolitik," enhancing energy security amid Red Sea disruptions. For the average Indian expatriate in Bahrain – from nurses in Manama to engineers in refineries – today's pledges translate to tangible gains: safer remittances, skill upgrades, and a stronger safety net.
With handshakes sealing the session, India-Bahrain relations emerge not just fortified, but forward-faring – a testament to Jaishankar's "civilizational connect" doctrine in action.
TCO News will follow up on the CEPA negotiations and GCC summit previews. For insights on India-Middle East ties, tune into our diplomatic digest.
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