Recently, India and Bahrain have agreed to further solidify their historical ties. This strengthening includes various areas such as defence, maritime security, etc. Bahrain, a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member, has previously signed the Abraham Accord with Israel and the UAE, mediated by the USA.
Key Discussions Between India and Bahrain
The discussions over bilateral issues, regional, and global matters included areas like defence and maritime security, space technology, trade and investment, infrastructure, IT, FinTech, health, hydrocarbon, and renewable energy. These were mutual topics of interest that both sides have discussed to improve their relationship.
Fight Against Covid-19
To fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, both sides affirmed to cooperate more robustly. Bahrain expressed its appreciation for the assistance provided by India during the pandemic, such as supplying medicines, medical equipment, and professionals.
Air Bubble Arrangement
Another major point of satisfaction was the operationalisation of the Air Bubble arrangement between the two countries. The air bubbles are systems established between two countries that perceive each other to be safe and allow carriers of both countries to fly passengers in either direction without any restrictions.
Upcoming Collaborations and Past Initiatives
India has renewed an invitation to Bahrain to visit for the 3rd India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting in the upcoming months. A significant past initiative was the launch of a USD 4.2 million redevelopment project of the Sri Krishna temple in Manama, Bahrain’s capital, by India in 2019. This age-old temple stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Bahrain.
Bilateral Agreements/Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
Over the years, India and Bahrain have signed several bilateral agreements and MoUs. These include treaties and MoUs on extradition, cooperation in ICT, establishment of a Joint High Commission, water resources development and management, combating international terrorism, cooperation in renewable energy, healthcare, and exploration for peaceful purposes.
Trade and Economic Relations
The total bilateral trade between the two countries was at USD 1282.96 million in 2018-19 and USD 753.60 million in 2019-20 (April-Dec). The main exports from India to Bahrain include mineral fuels, oils, organic compounds of precious metals, cereals, nuts, fruits, and clothing accessories. On the other hand, the imports from Bahrain to India consist of crude oils, bituminous substances, fertilizers, and aluminium.
Indian Investment and Expatriate Community in Bahrain
From January 2003 to March 2018, India’s total capital investment in Bahrain was estimated to be around USD 1.69 billion. Financial services had the maximum investment value (40% of total projects), followed by the real estate and hospitality sector. As of now, approximately 350,000 Indians are living in Bahrain, with about 70% being unskilled labor. This Indian workforce plays an integral role in Bahrain’s socio-economic development.
‘Little India in Bahrain’ Project
In November 2015, Bahrain launched the ‘Little India in Bahrain’ project as a way to commemorate and highlight the Indian community’s contribution to Bahrain’s history and progress.
