India, Bahrain vow fight against terrorism, expand cooperation

Condemning terrorism in all its forms, including the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India and Bahrain on Monday reaffirmed their resolve to combat cross-border terrorism and deepen cooperation in defence, maritime security, trade and emerging technologies.

The commitment came during the fifth India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) meeting co-chaired in New Delhi by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Bahraini counterpart Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani. Both sides vowed to enhance intelligence sharing, cyber-security coordination and capacity building to counter terror threats.

Jaishankar said India and Bahrain shared “centuries-old ties of friendship underpinned by trade and people-to-people linkages”. He highlighted India’s participation in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) headquartered in Manama and the visit of Indian naval ships to Bahrain in September as “a reflection of our shared commitment to regional security”.

The ministers welcomed steady growth in bilateral trade, which touched $1.64 billion in FY 2024-25, and agreed to expedite negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Talks will also begin on a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to facilitate business and investments.

Israeli minister arrives in India for key talks

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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar arrived here on Monday on a three-day official visit aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between India and Israel and reviewing regional developments in West Asia. Sa’ar, who landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport around 9.15 pm, will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on Tuesday, where discussions are expected to focus on defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, technology, innovation and trade investment ties, officials said.

Jaishankar invited Bahraini investors to explore new opportunities in Fintech, renewable energy, logistics, ICT and healthcare, while Bahrain’s Economic Development Board reaffirmed its intent to promote Indian investments. The two sides also recognised the role of Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, in enhancing bilateral investment cooperation.

In the health sector, both countries expressed satisfaction over progress made in digital health and medical value travel under the Joint Working Group on Healthcare. A new MoU between the Bahrain Space Agency and NewSpace India Limited is being finalised to deepen collaboration in the space sector.

India also announced a new electronic visa system for Bahraini nationals across nine categories to boost travel and tourism, while welcoming Bahrain’s decision to pardon 248 Indians over the past two years.

Turning to regional developments, Jaishankar voiced India’s support for a “lasting and durable solution” to the Gaza crisis and commended Bahrain’s diplomatic outreach.

The next HJC meeting will be held in Bahrain.