India, Bahrain discuss deepening bilateral cooperation

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday held talks with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani in Manama. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, “Delighted to meet FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani of Bahrain in Manama today. Expressed deep appreciation for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community. Discussed deepening our bilateral cooperation. Exchanged views on ongoing developments in the region.” India and Bahrain share strong bilateral relations marked by close political, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Indian community in Bahrain, numbering more than 3,15,000 people, forms nearly one-fourth of the country’s population of around 1.5 million and remains a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.
The Bahrain visit marks the second stop of EAM Jaishankar’s six-nation tour after concluding his engagements in Qatar. During his visit to Doha, he met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, where the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and explored new opportunities to deepen the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership.
Following his visit to Bahrain, EAM Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Kuwait and Oman as part of the Gulf leg of his tour before visiting the United States and Belgium. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman from July 5 to 10. The visits are aimed at enhancing India’s bilateral relations with the four countries while providing an opportunity to exchange views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest.
After completing the Gulf visit, EAM Jaishankar will travel to New York on July 13 to launch India’s official campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term. He will then visit Brussels on July 14-15 to attend the third India-European Union Trade and Technology Council meeting and hold discussions with European Union and Belgian leaders.