New Delhi [India], November 16 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday held a telephone conversation with Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, discussing ways to further strengthen the longstanding multifaceted partnership between the two countries.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Good to speak with FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani of Bahrain over phone. Discussed ways to further deepen our longstanding multifaceted partnership. Also exchanged views on current regional and global developments.”
India and Bahrain maintain close and friendly ties, underpinned by regular high-level exchanges, growing trade and investment, and collaboration in energy, defense, and people-to-people contacts.
Earlier this month, the Bahrain Foreign Minister visited India to co-chair the Fifth India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) with Jaishankar. During the meeting, both sides noted progress toward establishing the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment and the commencement of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The two countries also unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to combat it, including cross-border terrorism. Their joint statement highlighted ongoing negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Treaty and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
They welcomed positive developments regarding the situation in Gaza, which helped ease geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and stressed the importance of implementing the terms of President Trump’s peace plan by all parties. Both India and Bahrain expressed commitment to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation on terrorism through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and cybersecurity.
“The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, and reaffirmed strong commitment to combat terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. Both sides strongly condemned the armed terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families,” the statement said.
The statement also welcomed high-level exchanges between the two countries, including the visit of an all-party parliamentary delegation from India to Bahrain on May 24, 2025, led by Member of Parliament Baijayant Panda. The visit reflected India’s diplomatic outreach following the Pahalgam attack and underscored the united stance against terrorism.
Noting the steady growth of bilateral trade, which reached USD 1.64 billion in FY 2024-25, and acknowledging that India is among Bahrain’s top five trading partners, both sides emphasized potential for further growth and diversification in sectors such as electronics, petroleum products, processed foods, base metals, and gems and jewelry.
Both countries agreed to develop a common understanding to commence Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) negotiations, aimed at eliminating double taxation, providing tax certainty, and promoting trade and investment. (ANI)
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