EAM S Jaishankar concludes his two-day visit to Bahrain

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded his two-day visit to Bahrain. During the visit, he called on Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister of Bahrain and Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister. He also held talks with his counterpart Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

 

During his calls on the leadership, he personally conveyed, on behalf of the Government and people of India, sincere condolences on the sad demise of Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, former Prime Minister of Bahrain. He recalled the contribution of the late Prime Minister in strengthening India-Bahrain relations and for the welfare of the Indian community in Bahrain.

 

Dr Jaishankar thanked the leadership of Bahrain for hosting more than 3 lakh strong Indian community in Bahrain and for taking exceptional care of the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bahrain’s leadership appreciated the contribution of the Indian community to the development of Bahrain and the assistance provided by India during the Covid pandemic through supply of medicines, medical equipment and medical



professionals. 

Both sides affirmed to further strengthen their Covid-related cooperation. They also expressed satisfaction on operationalisation of Air Bubble arrangement between the two countries.

 

Dr. Jaishankar held delegation level talks with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister. The two Ministers discussed the entire gamut of bilateral issues as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest including cooperation and coordination in dealing with post-Covid challenges. 

They agreed to further strengthen the historic India-Bahrain ties including in areas of defence and maritime security, space technology, trade and investment, infrastructure, IT, FinTech, health, hydrocarbon and renewable energy.

 

During the visit, the Minister also interacted with the leaders of the Indian community in Bahrain in virtual mode. He paid a visit to 200 years old Shreenathji temple in Manama. The temple and the Little India around it stand as a testimony to the enduring India-Bahrain friendship. He also visited the National Museum of Bahrain.