Embassy of India, Bahrain

India-Bahrain Relations

India-Bahrain Bilateral Relations

Summary

India and Bahrain enjoy excellent bilateral relations characterized by cordial political, economic, cultural and people to people contacts. Presence of more than 3,15,000 Indian nationals who comprise nearly a quarter of the total population of 1.5 million in Bahrain is an important anchor of our bilateral relations with Bahrain.

2. For India, Bahrain is an important country in the GCC region, because of its geo-strategic location near Strait of Hormuz and presence of US 5th fleet (NAVCENT), and Headquarter of US-led 47-member Combined Maritime Forces(CMF) in Bahrain, which makes it a key country in ensuring our maritime, energy and trade security in the region. India joined CMF as a full member in 2023. In April 2025, an Indian Navy ship INS Tarkash, actively supporting Combine Task Force (CTF) 150, successfully intercepted and seized over 2500 kgs of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean. Indian Navy took over the command of CTF-154 in CMF from Italy on 11 February 2026. A contingent of 10 Indian Navy personnel is deployed as a part of Indian commanding CTF-154.

II. HISTORY

3. Our bilateral trade and commercial exchanges go back about 5,000 years, tracing their origins to the period of Dilmun Civilization in Bahrain & Indus valley civilization.

Sl. No.	Date	Diplomatic Milestone
1	12 October 1971	Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
2	January 1973	Opening of Indian Embassy in Bahrain
3	March 2007	Opening of Embassy of Bahrain in New Delhi
4	July 2018	Opening of the new building of Embassy of India, Bahrain

III POLITICAL RELATIONS

(a) Major high-level visits:

Incoming Visits [To India]				Highlights
a)	Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Late Amir of Bahrain		April 1981, 1983
b)	Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Late Prime Minister		January 2004
c)	Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince (CP)		(i) March 2007 (ii) March 2013	(i) Official visit from March 19-22, 2007 to Delhi (ii) Visit to Kerala from 17-18 March, 2013.
d)	Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The King		February 2014	First state visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising members of the Royal family, Deputy Prime Minister, Speaker of House of Representatives and Shura Council, key Cabinet Ministers including and around 130-member strong business delegation.
Outgoing Visits [From India]				Highlights
a)	Shri Giani Zail Singh, Late President of India	1983
b)	Shri Krishnakant Late Vice President of India	March 1999		Condolence on demise of Amir of Bahrain, Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa
c)	Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India	24-25 August 2019		PM Shri Narendra Modi, paid a State visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain on 24-25 August 2019, the first-ever state visit by an Indian Prime Minister. HM the King bestowed Bahrain Order - First Class on PM.
d)	Shri Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha, India	9 -15 March, 2023		To attend the 146th IPU from 09-15 March 2023.

(b) Recent Ministerial visits:

Incoming Visits [To India]					Highlights
a)	Foreign Minister of Bahrain		(i) March 2011and February 2015 (ii) 6- 8 April 2021 (iii) 3 November 2025		(i) Former Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa, visited India in March 2011; and February, 21-23 2015 for the first High Joint Commission meeting. During the visit he called on PM. (ii) Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani (FM Zayani), visited India from 6-8 April 2021 for the third High Joint Commission meeting. He also called on the Vice President of India. (iii) Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani (FM Zayani), visited India on 3 November 2025 for the fifth High Joint Commission meeting.
b)	Minister of Industry and Commerce, Bahrain		(i) 13-15 March 2023 (ii) 2-3 December 2024 (iii) 21-22 February 2025		(i) Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro visited India to participate in 28th CII Partnership Summit 2023. (ii) Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro visited India to participate in 29th CII Partnership Summit 2024 held in New Delhi. (iii) Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro visited India to participate in the Global Investment Summit ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit’ held in Kochi, Kerala.
Outgoing Visits [From India]				Highlights
b)	External Affairs Minister	(i) 24-25 November 2020 (ii) 07-09 December 2024		(i) EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Bahrain on 24-25 November 2020 to convey condolence on the demise of Late Bahraini PM Prince Khalifa. He called on HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, and met Bahraini Foreign Minister and Deputy PM (son of the late PM). (ii) EAM H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Bahrain on 7-9 December 2024. During the visit EAM participated in the Concluding Plenary Session “Whither Regional Strategic Cooperation” of the 20th edition of the IISS Manama Dialogue 2024, and co-chaired the 4th ministerial meeting of the High Joint Commission between India and Bahrain.
c)	Minister of State for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan	(i) 30 August to 01 September 2021 (ii) 04-05 May 2023		(i) During his first official visit from 30 August to 01 September 2021, he called on HM the King Hamad, CP/PM, and met Foreign Minister, Labour Minister and other high ranking officials and dignitaries. (ii) During the second visit from 04-05 May 2023, MoS met Minister of Labour, Minister of Social Development, Minister of Finance and National Economy and President BACA (Bahrain Authority of Culture and Antiquities). He also met and held official talks with Undersecretary (Political Affairs), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain. MoS (VM) inaugurated the 2nd edition of ‘Indo-Bahrain Dance & Music Festival’.
d)	Minister of State for Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal	28-30 May 2025 (ii) 04-06 November 2025		Minister of State for Law & Justice and for Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal visited Bahrain from 28-30 May 2025 and held meetings with CP/PM, Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister of Justice & Islamic Affairs, and also with officials of Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution. Minister of State for Law&Justice and for Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal visited Bahrain from 04 to 06 November 2025 for the King Hamad Lecture Ceremony on 05th November and Conference on the Future of International Commercial Courts on 6th November 2025.

(c) Telephonic conversations / Other meetings and Summits:

Prime Minister: On 01 December 2023, on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP) Summit in Dubai, UAE, PM met HM the King. PM held a telephonic conversation with HM the King of Bahrain on 6 April 2020. PM also spoke to HRH the CP/PM on 1 February 2022 and reiterated his invitation to HRH the CP/PM for a visit to India at an early date. PM met FM Zayani on sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on 23 August 2023 and conveyed the greetings of HM the King and HRH the CP/PM on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3.
Voice of Global South Summit: FM Zayani participated in the 2nd Foreign Ministers’ Session of the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit 2024, chaired by EAM, held virtually on 17 August 2024. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain participated via a recorded video message in the Concluding Leaders’ Session of Voice of Global South Summit 2.0 held on 17 November 2023. Bahraini Minister of Oil and Environment Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina virtually represented Bahrain in the Energy Ministers’ Session of the “Voice of the Global South Summit” on 13 January 2023.
EAM: EAM met FM Zayani on 09 September 2024 in Riyadh on the sidelines of India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue. EAM met FM Zayani in January 2024 on the sidelines of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Kampala, and in September 2023 during 78th UNGA held in New York.
EAM held telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Bahrain H.E. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on 15 November 2025 and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and followed up on outcomes of 5th HJC held in New Delhi on 03 November, 2025.
EAM had telecon with Foreign Minister of Bahrain Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on 28 February 2026 on the turn of events in the region. He expressed concerns on the escalating developments. EAM was assured by Bahraini FM that his . Government would take all measures to keep the Indian community safe.

(d) Bilateral Institutional Mechanisms

S. No.	Mechanism	Last edition held	Level	Next Scheduled
1	High Joint Commission (HJC)	5th High Joint Commission, held on 03 November, 2025 in New Delhi, India	EAM, India Foreign Minister, Bahrain	6th High Joint Commission to be held in Bahrain. 5th HJC was co-chaired by EAM and FM Bahrain on 03.11.2025 in New Delhi where substantial discussion on all facets of bilateral cooperation took place. They reviewed progress since 4th HJC and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in trade, investment, finance, space, science & technology, and healthcare.
2	Foreign Office Consultations (FoC)	6th Foreign Office Consultations, held on 30 May 2023 in Manama, Bahrain	Secretary, MEA, India Undersecretary for Political Affairs, MoFA, Bahrain	7th Foreign Office Consultations to be held in New Delhi, India.
3	Security Dialogue (SD)	2nd Security Dialogue, held on 21 October 2016, New Delhi, India	Dy. NSA, India National Security Advisor, Bahrain	3rd Security Dialogue to be held in Bahrain
4	Joint Steering Committee	2nd meeting of Joint Steering Committee, held on 07 October 2021	Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, India Chief of Public Security Ministry of Interior, Bahrain	3rd Meeting of Joint Steering Committee
5	Joint Committee on Labour and Manpower	1st Meeting of Joint Committee on Labour and Manpower, held on 08-09 February 2017, New Delhi	Joint Secretary, Overseas Indian Affairs-I, Ministry of External Affairs, India. Chief Executive Officer, Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Bahrain.	2nd Meeting of Joint Committee on Labour and Manpower to be held in Bahrain.
6	India-Bahrain Joint Working Group (JWG) on Healthcare	1st Joint Working Group (JWG) on Healthcare, held virtually on 22 February 2022 2nd JWG on Healthcare was held virtually on 21 January 2025	Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health, India Director, Acting Undersecretary for Public Health, Ministry of Health, Bahrain Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Health, Bahrain	3rd Joint Working Group (JWG) on Healthcare
7	Joint Working Group (JWG) on Renewable Energy	1st Joint Working Group (JWG) on Renewable Energy, held virtually on 04 February 2021	Joint Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, India President, Sustainable Energy Authority, Bahrain	2nd Joint Working Group (JWG) on Renewable Energy
8	Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade and Investment	1st Meeting of Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade and Investment was held virtually on 09 February 2026.	Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce, India Assistant Under Secretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Bahrain	2nd Meetin of Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade and Investment

IV. Highlights of the Relationship :

a) Trade and Economic Relations

4. Bilateral trade in 2025-26 has reached USD 1.66 billion. India is among the top five trading partners of Bahrain. Bilateral trade figures are as under:

Year	2018-19	2019-20	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24	2024-25	2025-26
India's Export	742.14	559.09	528.25	899.90	965.25	909.42	797.47	778.98
India's Import	539.63	421.50	547.49	753.29	1014.50	829.44	845.41	887.76
Total	1281.77	980.59	1075.74	1653.19	1979.75	1738.86	1642.88	1666.74

(Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, GoI)

5. India’s main export items to Bahrain were: engineering goods worth USD 201.7 million, electronic goods worth USD 157.3 million and petroleum products worth USD 105.3 million followed by gems and jewellery worth USD 93.4 million and then rice worth USD 60 million and meat, dairy and poultry worth USD 51.7 million. India exported petroleum products worth USD 105.3 million, and imported petroleum products worth USD 102.59 million from Bahrain. The trade gap has dropped from 150 million in 2021-22 to USD 109 million in 2025-26.

6. Tourism: The number of Indian tourists to Bahrain increased by 44% between 2022 and 2023 crossing 1 million tourist arrivals.

7. International Solar Alliance (ISA): Bahrain joined ISA as its 86th Member on March 2022 as it deposited the Instrument of Accession on the sidelines of the 5th Foreign Office of Consultations held in New Delhi on 28 March 2022.

8. Indian investment in Bahrain: Two-way investments have increased 71% since 2019. From Q4 2024 to Q4 2025 there has been an increase in investments to the tune of USD 174 million from India to Bahrain bringing the total two-way investments to USD 2.21 billion (Indian investments: USD 2.02 billion, Bahraini Investment USD 0.187 billion). Financial services accounts for the highest investment value. Other important areas of investment are real estate, hospitality, health, IT and education.
9. Footprint of Indian Companies: As per data received from Bahrain Government, 38 Indian commercial agencies, 32 branches of prominent Indian companies and more than 7500 Indian owned/India Joint Venture companies registered in Bahrain as on October 2020.

10. Bahraini investment in India: Bahrain’s investments into India have also shown increasing trend recently. Total cumulative investment from Bahrain to India from is about USD 185 million (in December 2013, it was only at USD 31.55 million). The main sectors of Bahrain’s investment into India are real estate, information technology and engineering.

b) Indian Expatriate Community

11. While there were only 90,000 Indian nationals working in Bahrain in the year 2000, the number has since increased to over 3,15,427 (January 2026) comprising of 200,000 from Kerala, 50,000 from Tamil Nadu, 40,000 from Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, 25,000 from Karnataka and rest from Punjab, Rajasthan, UP, Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat. In addition to about 2/3rd being skilled and semi-skilled workers and labourers, there is a sizeable number of businessmen, CEOs, CFOs, doctors, nurses, engineers, chartered accountants, bankers, managers, teachers and other professionals who play a vital role in the Bahrain’s socio-economic development.

12. Bahrain launched ‘Little India in Bahrain’ project in November 2015 to acknowledge and mark the contribution of Indian community to the history and progress of Bahrain. Under the project, exterior of various buildings were restored and renovated, as well as a small public space. The main event of the Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic relations was held at the renovated ‘Little India in Bahrain’ in October 2021. Bahrain also hosts a 200 year-old Shreenathji Temple in Bahrain at the heart of Manama which is the oldest Hindu temples in the region. PM Shri Narendra Modi had inaugurated the renovation of the temple during his visit in August 2019, which was earmarked as a special project by Bahraini Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in September 2023. Bahrain has also approved allocation of land for a new BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in January 2022.

c) Culture, Education & People-to-People

13. Culture: The Cultural and People to People relations between the two countries date back centuries. The 200 year old Shreenathji temple is a testament to this. A Cultural Exchange Programme 2019-2023 was signed between India and Bahrain during PM’s visit to Bahrain in 2019. A new CEP is under consideration.

14. Golden Jubilee Celebrations: The Mission celebrated Golden Jubilee of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kingdom of Bahrain in a befitting manner with a series of events in 2021-22. During 5th HJC both sides agreed to make preparations for celebrating the 55th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.

15. WAVES 2025: On 30 April 2025, Mr. Yousif Mohammed Albinkhalil, Undersecretary, Minister of Information accompanied by Ms. Noora Mahmood AlDoy, official from Ministry of Information visited India to attend the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) – 2025 which was held in Mumbai from 01-04 May 2025.

16. India in Bahrain festival: Indian Embassy in collaboration with LuLu Hypermarket and Dana Mall, organized the 3rd edition of the "Indian in Bahrain Festival" on 6 February 2026 at Dana Mall to celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations. The event showcased cultural performances from Indian community associations, representing various Indian states, including classical and folk dances.

17. Indian Film Festival: On 7th February 2026 Embassy organized the Indian Film Festival at Epix Cinema, Sanabis. The festival featured the screening of two acclaimed Indian films- The Diplomat (Hindi) and Manjummel Boys (Malayalam). The event was attended by nearly 300 guests, including members of the Bahraini community and the Indian diaspora.

d) Recent developments

18. Visit of Indian Navy’s Western Fleet to Bahrain- Strengthening Maritime Security and Bilateral Ties- Three ships (INS Mormugoa, INS Tarkash and INS Tabar) from Western Fleet of the Indian Navy of Commanding Western Fleet, made a port call at Manama, Bahrain from 8-11 September 2025. These ships reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between India and the Kingdom of Bahrain and underscored India’s steadfast commitment to regional maritime security under the visit of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Visit of INS Surat to Bahrain in February 2026 further reinforced India’s commitment to maritime security and strengthened operational cooperation with multinational forces. In addition, India’s bid to command CTF- 150 in the first half of 2027 has been accepted.

19. Launch of e-visa facility to Bahraini nationals: e-Visa facility to Bahraini nationals across 9 categories was operationalised in July 2025. Later 4 more categories were added in November 2025 and 01 in December 2025, taking the total to 14 (9+4+1) categories.

20. Royal Pardon: HM the King pardoned more than 160 Indian Prisoners in the year 2024 and 196 Indian prisoners in 2025, which is a substantial increase from the usual numbers. In the year 2026, so far approx. 29 Indians have received Royal Pardon.

21. Youth Games: Bahrain hosted the 3rd Asian Youth Games in October, 2025 in which a large contingent of more than 200 Indian athletes participated.

22. MoU between NIPL and BENEFIT: NIPL (The NPCI International Payments Limited), international arm of NPCI, and BENEFIT, Bahrain’s leading fintech and e-financial transactions company signed an MoU in November 2025. It will enable real time cross-border remittances between India and Bahrain and connects India’s UPI with Bahrain’s EFTS (Electronic Fund Transfer System). With this, the direction given by hon’ble PM during his visit to Bahrain has been fulfilled.

23. 2nd IAFMM: India hosted the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM) on 31 January 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by India and UAE. Bahraini delegation led by Amb. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations, and Mr. Ahmed Al Tarifi, Chief of the Arab and African Affairs Sector at MOFA participated in the 2nd ministerial meeting of the IAFMM. On the sidelines of the forum, Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, received the heads of the participating delegations on 01st February, 2026.

24. Virtual consultations: Secretary (CPV&OIA) Ms. Sripriya Ranganathan held virtual consultations with H.E. Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Acting Undersecretary for Political Affairs/ Director General of Bilateral Relations from MOFA, Bahrain on 12th May 2026. They comprehensively reviewed various elements of bilateral relationship as well as exchagned views on areas of mutual interest, including current situation in the region.

V. Bilateral Agreements / Memorandums of Understanding / Statements of Intent

25. Following Agreements / MOUs / Statements of Intent have been signed between the two countries:

Air Service Agreement (April 2000)
MoU on Cooperation between Ministry of External Affairs, India and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain (January 2004)
Agreement on Juridical and judicial Co-operation in Civil and Commercial Matters (January 2004)
Extradition Treaty (January 2004)
Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (January 2004)
Agreement for Media Co-operation between Prasar Bharati and Bahrain Radio & TV Corporation (March 2007)
MoU on Labour and Manpower Development (June 2009)
Agreement regarding Exchange of Information with respect to Taxes (May 2012)
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology (May 2012)
MoU on the establishment of a Joint High Commission (February 2014)
MoU on cooperation between the Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, India and the Diplomatic Institute, Bahrain (February 2014)
MoU for cooperation in the field of youth and sports (February 2014)
MoU between Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre and Bahrain Economic Development Board (September 2014)
MoU between Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre and the Bahrain India Society (September 2014)
MoU on Water Resources Development and Management (February 2015)
Agreement on Cooperation in combating international terrorism, transnational organized crime and trafficking in illicit drugs, narcotics and psychotropic substances and precursors chemicals (December 2015)
Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons (January 2016)
MoU for cooperation in the field of Healthcare (July 2018)
MoU for cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy (July 2018)
Agreement on Exemption from Short Stay Visa for Holders of Diplomatic and Official/Special Passports (July 2018)
MoU on Cooperation in the exploration and uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes (March 2019)
Cultural Exchange Programme for the years 2019-2023 (August 2019)
MoU between BENEFIT and NPCI for Launch of ‘RuPay Card’ in Bahrain (August 2019)
Statement of Intent on collaboration of Kingdom of Bahrain with International Solar Alliance (August 2019)
Statement of Intent on collaboration between Indian Space Research Organisation and National Space Science Agency in the area of Space Technology (August 2019)
MoU between National Audit Organization, Bahrain and Comptroller & Auditor General, India (August 2024)
Agreement between NIPL (NPCI International Payments Limited) and BENEFIT, Bahrain’s leading fintech and electronic financial transactions company, regarding real-time cross border remittances between India and Bahrain (November 2025)

Useful References:
Website:-      https://eoi.gov.in/bahrain/
Twitter:-       https://twitter.com/IndiaInBahrain
Facebook:-   https://www.facebook.com/IndiaInBahrain
Instagram :- https://www.instagram.com/indiainbahrain/

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June 2026