Jaishankar discusses bilateral partnership, regional developments with Bahraini counterpart
16 Nov 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, over the phone.

The discussion focused on strengthening their "longstanding multifaceted partnership" and regional and global developments, reported PTI.

The two ministers had extensive talks earlier this month in New Delhi, where they announced negotiations for a major trade deal and discussed the commencement of negotiations for a double taxation avoidance agreement between India and Bahrain.

India-Bahrain trade deal negotiations underway
Trade pact

The trade deal negotiations between India and Bahrain could make Bahrain the fourth Gulf nation with which India is negotiating such a pact.

This comes after a high-level meeting in New Delhi.

The move could open up new opportunities for both countries, especially in sectors like fintech, infrastructure, and green energy, where Bahrain is keen to invest.

India-Bahrain partnership to boost security, travel
Security cooperation

The India-Bahrain partnership is also set to strengthen cooperation on security issues such as counter-terrorism and cyber defense.

Further, easier e-visas for Bahrainis and pardons for Indian nationals in Bahrain are expected to enhance people-to-people connections between the two nations.

This partnership could lead to more jobs, innovation, and travel opportunities between India and Bahrain.

India-Bahrain trade relations reach $1.64 billion
Trade growth

Bahrain is a key player for India in West Asia, with bilateral relations witnessing a major upswing in recent years.

Two-way trade between the two nations reached $1.64 billion in 2024-25.

Notably, Bahrain is home to around 332,000 Indian nationals who make up nearly a quarter of its total population of 1.5 million.