External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar, concluded an official tour to Qatar and Bahrain from 06 to 09 December 2024.
EAM started his tour by visiting Qatar on 06 December 2024, where he took part in the 22nd edition of Doha Forum. Speaking at a panel on ‘Conflict Resolution in a new era’, EAM highlighted the impact of ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine on regional shipping and trade, while underlining the need for greater and participative diplomacy.
EAM met Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations with Qatar. He also met Minister of Commerce and Industry of Qatar H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani and Minister of State Ahmed Al Sayed during the visit.
During his visit to Bahrain, EAM co-chaired the 4th Meeting of the India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. At the HJC, both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations including trade, investments, healthcare, energy, security, tourism, and people to people ties. New areas of cooperation like space, education, Fintech, and Technology were also discussed
EAM also met the Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. They discussed different avenues to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. EAM thanked the Bahraini leadership for the welfare of the Indian community in Bahrain.
On 8 December 2024, EAM spoke at the Concluding Plenary Session- “Whither Regional Strategic Cooperation” of the 20th edition of IISS Manama Dialogue, where he shared India’s perspectives on regional and global issues. His remarks underscored India’s commitment to enhancing security, stability, and development in the region.
EAM also addressed the Indian community in Bahrain and also paid a visit to the historic 200 years old Shreenathji Temple in Manama.