TDT | Manama

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India and Bahrain have deepened their strategic partnership across diplomacy, trade, consular services and maritime security, said Indian Ambassador H.E. Vinod K. Jacob said at a press briefing at the Indian Embassy in Manama.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Bahrain on July 6–7, 2026, meeting His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman, and Deputy PM Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah. He held talks with Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, covering regional developments and sectoral cooperation.

Trade Tops $1.66 Billion

Bilateral trade reached US$1.66 billion in 2025–26, up 1.57 per cent year-on-year. Two-way investment stands at around US$2 billion. The first round of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement negotiations began in July 2026.

Bahrain’s e-Visa facility, now in its second year, has issued 4,651 visas across 14 categories. The Indian Consular Centre at Bahrain Mall processed over 39,000 applications since August 2025, including passport renewals, attestations and OCI cards. Tatkal passport services resumed in April 2026.

India assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 in February 2026 — a first for the Indian Navy — delivering over 2,200 hours of maritime training across 25 partner nations.

UNSC Bid Launched

India has launched its campaign for a UN Security Council non-permanent seat for 2028–29, guided by the “SHANTI” framework emphasising Global South representation, multilateral reform and counter-terrorism.