External Affairs Minister of India, H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Bahrain H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid AlZayani co-chaired the 3rd India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) in New Delhi. Bahrain Foreign Minister also handed over a letter from HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain addressed to Hon’ble Prime Minister to External Affairs Minister.
Bahrain Foreign Minister called on Hon’ble Vice President of India, H.E. Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu. Hon’ble Vice President conveyed thanks on behalf of India to HM the King of Bahrain for taking excellent care of the Indian community including during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bahrain Foreign Minister appreciated the contribution of the Indian community to the progress and development of Bahrain and also thanked India for supplying Covishield vaccines to Bahrain.
During the HJC, both Ministers reviewed all areas of bilateral cooperation and expressed happiness at the progress made in past few years. They recalled the landmark visits of HM King of Bahrain to India in 2014 and of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to Bahrain in 2019. Both sides continued their coordination and cooperation during the Covid pandemic.
Both sides agreed to further develop their cooperation in the areas of oil and gas, trade and investment, health, food security, defence, security, renewable energy, education, culture and digital technologies. Both sides also looked forward to celebrating golden jubilee of establishment of their diplomatic relations this year. External Affairs Minister reiterated the invitation to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain for visiting India at an early date.
External Affairs Minister congratulated Bahrain on taking over as the Chair of GCC and looked forward to working with Bahrain to strengthen India-GCC partnership. Both Ministers also discussed regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. India looks forward to early deposition of Instrument of Ratification of ISA Framework Agreement by Bahrain.
Bahrain Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi on April 6 and departed on April 8.