India and Bahrain Commit to Enhanced Space, Defence, and Economic Cooperation Ahead of Bahrain’s GCC Presidency
India and Bahrain reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in defence, security, space, and economic sectors during the fifth High Joint Commission meeting. Both condemned terrorism, especially the Pahalgam attack, and highlighted ongoing maritime security collaboration. Discussions advanced on trade agreements including CEPA, an investment treaty, and DTAA, supporting stronger bilateral and regional ties as Bahrain prepares to lead the GCC.
At the fifth India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting held in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani emphasized enhancing cooperation across defence, security, and economic domains. Both sides unequivocally condemned terrorism, notably the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, and reiterated their commitment to combating cross-border terrorism. India’s naval deployment to Bahrain in September 2025 underscored growing maritime security ties under the Combined Maritime Forces framework. Strategic collaboration in space technology is also advancing, with Bahrain’s Space Agency and India’s NSIL finalizing a cooperation MoU. Economically, negotiations commenced for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a bilateral investment treaty, and a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement to promote trade and investment. These developments align with India’s broader West Asian diplomacy and efforts to strengthen ties with GCC states, especially as Bahrain assumes the GCC presidency in December 2025. Bilateral trade reached USD 1.64 billion in 2024-25, and sectors like fintech, health, and culture were also identified as promising areas for future partnership. The meeting reflected mutual optimism in expanding India-Bahrain relations and reinforcing regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and West Asian regions.
