External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani co-chaired the 5th India–Bahrain High Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi on Monday, reaffirming their commitment to deepen bilateral relations across strategic, economic, and cultural sectors.

The two ministers reviewed the progress in cooperation on trade, defence, security, health, and culture, while identifying new avenues in space, fintech, and cybersecurity. Both sides agreed to further enhance people-to-people connections and explore emerging technologies as catalysts for growth.

Expressing optimism over Bahrain assuming the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) presidency, Jaishankar said India–GCC relations are set to strengthen further. “Reviewed progress in bilateral relations focusing on trade, security, defence, health, culture, and new opportunities in space, fintech, and cyber domains. Confident that India–GCC ties will continue to deepen,” he posted on X.

He also thanked Bahrain’s leadership for ensuring the welfare of the large Indian community in the kingdom and exchanged views on recent regional and global developments.

Highlighting the shared history and enduring friendship between the two nations, Jaishankar noted, “India and Bahrain share centuries-old ties rooted in trade and people-to-people linkages. We remain united in our commitment to peace and prosperity for our people and the region.”

In response, Minister Alzayani emphasized that economic cooperation remains central to the India–Bahrain partnership. He traced their historic links back nearly 5,000 years, connecting the ancient civilizations of Dilmun and the Indus Valley, and reaffirmed Bahrain’s intent to expand connectivity with India.

“India continues to be one of Bahrain’s primary trading partners,” Alzayani said, stressing that “economic interdependence is essential for promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity.”

The meeting underscored a forward-looking agenda, marking a new phase of collaboration between New Delhi and Manama focused on innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.