bahrainthismonth.com | AUGUST 2026 INTERVIEW 13 What have been the most significant advances in India-Bahrain relations since our last conversation? The most important development was the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to Bahrain on July 6 and 7. He visited in solidarity with the Kingdom and met His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Jaishankar conveyed India’s position that Bahrain is a non-combatant and that it was unfair for the Kingdom to be attacked during the conflict. India and Bahrain also showed a high degree of convergence regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with both countries firmly opposing any obstruction to this vital waterway. He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gratitude to Bahrain’s leadership for the protection extended to the Indian community throughout this difficult period. Another major milestone was the Bahraini Foreign Minister’s visit to India in November 2025 for the fifth High Joint Commission meeting, during which the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations. We also introduced an electronic visa system for Bahraini nationals, with 14 categories now available. In addition, a new Indian Consular Application Centre opened at Bahrain Mall, providing passport, visa and consular services with a Bahraini partner. How important are the proposed trade agreements and what does the latest data reveal? The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Bahrain could create a stronger framework for trade, services and investment. India and the Gulf Cooperation Council have also signed the terms of reference for a wider free trade agreement. Progress was slowed by the regional conflict, but both sides are determined to resume discussions. The Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment will provide a practical mechanism for identifying opportunities and addressing emerging challenges. In my experience, there are no fundamental problems in the India-Bahrain trade relationship. The principal difficulties arise from external factors, particularly disruption to supply chains and regional instability. The latest figures from India’s Department of Commerce cover the financial year from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Bilateral trade grew by 1.57 per cent compared with the previous year, reaching approximately US$1.66 billion. The balance of trade remains in Bahrain’s favour. While I continue to encourage Indian businesses to expand their presence here, the important point is that overall trade continued to grow. Our focus must now be on restoring momentum, diversifying engagement and protecting supply chains. Beyond traditional trade, where do you see the greatest potential for cooperation? There are opportunities across technology, financial services, healthcare, education, renewable energy, tourism and the creative sectors. However, opportunities only become meaningful when institutions and businesses are brought together. The Embassy works closely with organisations such as the Bahrain India Society, which has supported business engagement and organised visits. I have also held productive discussions with the Bahrain Chamber on strengthening commercial links. One of our most important projects has been the Focus State and Union Territory Initiative. Through this programme, the Embassy promotes different regions of India to Bahraini businesses, investors and the wider public. India is an enormous and diverse country, so it is important to demonstrate the specific strengths of individual states and union territories. The initiative covers commercial opportunities, culture, entertainment, tourism and people-topeople relations. Indian community associations are involved because they are valuable bridges between the two countries. The conflict interrupted some plans, but it has not changed our commitment. We will continue to identify practical opportunities and encourage Bahraini businesses to look beyond India’s most familiar markets. How can cultural diplomacy create tangible benefits for tourism and smaller businesses? Cultural diplomacy builds familiarity, trust and curiosity. Those qualities can lead directly to tourism, commercial partnerships and opportunities for smaller businesses. One of the major achievements during my tenure has been the introduction of electronic visas for Bahraini nationals. This has made travel to India more convenient and we have also reduced service fees, making the process more affordable. Our cultural festivals and statefocused events allow Bahrainis to experience the variety of India’s traditions, food, arts, tourism destinations and commercial capabilities. They also provide platforms for entrepreneurs, performers, tourism operators and community organisations. Travel and public activity were affected by recent events, but I have been encouraged by the resilience shown by the Indian community. Community associations are restarting their activities and we do not intend to reduce the pace of our engagement. These programmes are not simply ceremonial. They keep relationships alive, create networks and help people discover new possibilities for travel and business. As you approach three years in Bahrain, what lasting contribution would you like your tenure to make? I would like my tenure to be remembered for strengthening trust between the Embassy, the Indian community and the Kingdom of Bahrain, particularly during a period of exceptional difficulty. Bahrain’s leadership expressed appreciation for the calm and disciplined manner in which the Indian community responded to the crisis. Community members followed official alerts, remained committed to Bahrain and demonstrated remarkable resilience. According to Bahraini data, the Indian population increased from approximately 315,000 in January 2026 to around 317,000 in June. That is a significant indication of confidence. The Embassy remained active throughout the crisis. We continued visa and consular operations, apart from a brief interruption, held three open houses and reached out to the community in around 14 or 15 Indian languages. We also worked closely with Bahrain’s authorities to ensure that school board and entrance examinations could proceed, despite schools and universities being closed. This cooperation involved the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Education, as well as the Bahrain Defence Force. The support provided to Indians travelling through the King Fahd Causeway also demonstrated the strength of coordination between Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and India. Above all, I hope the community understands that, despite being a small Embassy, we will stand our ground and support them whenever necessary. What is your message to the Indian community in Bahrain? My message is one of gratitude. Bahrain’s people and institutions supported the Indian community in many ways during a difficult period. The community, in turn, remained calm, followed official alerts and showed great resilience. India stands in solidarity with the Kingdom. On my own behalf, I express my deep appreciation to Bahrain’s leadership, government institutions and people for the safety, support and friendship extended to me and my compatriots during this challenging time.
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