During the Fifth Session of the High Joint Commission (HJC) in New Delhi, India and Bahrain reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all of its forms, including cross-border terrorism. Dr. S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, Foreign Minister of Bahrain, co-chaired the meeting.
Both sides clearly denounced the terrorist assault in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, and expressed solidarity with the victims. They reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating terrorism through stronger bilateral and international cooperation, increased intelligence sharing, capacity building, and cyber security coordination.
The two ministers hailed progress in ongoing discussions for a Bilateral Investment Treaty and the formation of a Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment. They also marked the start of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to increase trade and economic cooperation.
India and Bahrain highlighted the recent steady growth in bilateral trade, which reached USD 1.64 billion in fiscal year 2024-25. They restated their commitment to expanding trade into developing areas such as electronics, petroleum products, processed foods, base metals, and gems and jewelry.
Recognizing the need for a more advantageous investment climate, both governments decided to begin negotiations on a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. The agreement would help to lower tax barriers, boost investor confidence, and promote two-way trade and capital flows.
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) reaffirmed its support for Indian investments in manufacturing, logistics, ICT, tourism, financial services, education, and healthcare. Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, has expressed an interest in increasing investments in Indian industries that correspond with its long-term aims, such as FinTech, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
The two countries also acknowledged their growing collaboration in healthcare, including research, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. They embraced new chances for collaboration in clinical research and health sciences, emphasizing the mutual benefits of knowledge sharing.
In terms of space collaboration, both countries appreciated the progress achieved toward the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). This cooperation seeks to improve collaboration in satellite applications, launch services, and space technology development.
The debate also focused heavily on defense and security cooperation. Both parties expressed hope about future engagements, pointing out that the visit of three Indian naval ships to Bahrain in September 2025 improved bilateral maritime ties and demonstrated India’s commitment to regional maritime security and stability.
Cultural collaboration remains a pillar of India-Bahrain relations. The two countries agreed to expand cultural exchanges in art, music, literature, and festivals, as well as to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 with joint cultural events and exhibitions.
Another source of satisfaction was the ability to interact with others. India’s launch of an electronic visa system for Bahraini nationals in nine categories in July 2025 was hailed as a step that will improve travel and tourism. Both sides recognized the Indian diaspora’s substantial contributions to Bahrain, as well as the authorities’ constructive collaboration on immigration, labor, and consular affairs.
