External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that steady growth in bilateral trade and investment has been witnessed between India and Bahrain in recent years.

 

 

In his opening remarks at the 5th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting in New Delhi, Dr Jaishankar said, both countries have witnessed significant progress in bilateral investment in areas of defence, security, trade, commerce, health, culture and people-to-people ties. 

 

 

He underlined the launch of the Electronic Visa (E-Visa) System to encourage the visit of nationals of Bahrain. He also invited investors from Bahrain to explore investment opportunities in the country. He also extended his wishes to Bahrain for taking over the presidency of the Gulf Co-operation Council at the upcoming Summit in Manama next month.

 

 

Dr Jaishankar said, three Indian naval ships visited Bahrain in September this year, which helped reinforce the bilateral friendship and the Indian Navy’s commitment to regional maritime security. He thanked the leadership of the Kingdom of Bahrain for their continued care and support for the welfare of the Indian community.

 

 

Speaking on this occasion, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani said the historical ties between Bahrain and India extend back nearly five thousand years, rooted in trade and cultural exchange. He said, these economic links remain central to the relationship, which has flourished across various fields. He added that India continues to be one of Bahrain’s primary trading partners.