Syllabus: GS2/IR
Context
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Bahrain’s Foreign Minister and discussed cooperation in defence and security.
- India and Bahrain have agreed to combat the threat of terrorism through enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Brief on India Bahrain Ties
- Bilateral trade: USD 1.64 billion (FY 2024–25); India among Bahrain’s top five trading partners.
- Emphasis on diversification into electronics, petroleum products, processed foods, base metals, gems & jewellery.
- Investment Cooperation: Two-way investments between the countries are growing, and have increased 40% since 2019.
- From the first quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024, there was a 15% increase in investments taking total two-way investments to $1.56 billion.
- Space Cooperation: Progress in collaboration between Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) and New Space India Limited (NSIL).
- Draft MoU under finalization to enhance cooperation in satellite and space applications.
- Defence and Security: Both sides committed to enhancing defence and security cooperation, especially in regional maritime security.
- Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism.
- Agreement to boost collaboration through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and cybersecurity initiatives.
- Tourism: The number of Indian tourists to Bahrain increased by 44% between 2022 and 2023 crossing 1 million tourist arrivals.
- Indian e-visa for Bahraini nationals across 9 categories to boost tourism.
- Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Plans to celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2026 with cultural exchanges.
- Bahrain is home to 332,000 Indians, and both sides also welcomed the contributions of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain.
Significance of Bahrain for India
- Gateway to the Gulf: Bahrain, located near the western shores of the Gulf, serves as a strategic entry point for India into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
- Maritime Security Partner: Its proximity to key sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) in the Arabian Gulf makes it crucial for ensuring the safety of energy supply routes and Indian shipping.
- Energy Security: Bahrain, though a smaller oil producer compared to other GCC states, plays a role in India’s energy diversification strategy and refined petroleum trade.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Both sides are preparing to celebrate 55 years of diplomatic ties in 2026, showcasing long-standing friendship.
Way Ahead
- Bahrain fits into India’s “Think West” policy, focusing on deeper engagement with the Gulf and Middle East.
- The relationship complements India’s strong ties with UAE and Saudi Arabia, contributing to a stable and multipolar Gulf order favorable to Indian interests.
Source: IE
