5th High Joint Commission of India-Bahrain

• 06 Nov 2025

Source: IE 

Why in News?

India and Bahrain, at the 5^th High Joint Commission (HJC) in New Delhi, agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and cyber security, while condemning the Pahalgam attack(2025).  

What are the Key Outcomes of the 5^th High Joint Commission (HJC) of India-Bahrain? 

• Counter-terrorism and Security: Both countries strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terror. Reaffirmed commitment to work together against terror networks. 
  • Both expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in defence and security. 
• Trade and Economic Engagement: Bilateral trade between India-Bahrain reached USD 1.64 billion (FY 2024-25) and highlighted that India is among Bahrain’s top five trade partners. 
  • The two sides noted progress on establishing a Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment and on negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).  
  • They also recorded advances in talks on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and agreed to move toward launching negotiations on a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to prevent double taxation and support investment. 
• Gaza Peace Plan: India reiterated its support for the Gaza peace plan, presented by US President Donald Trump, as a path to a lasting and durable resolution in West Asia. 

What is the Significance of India-Bahrain Relations? 

• Strategic Location: Bahrain sits in the Persian Gulf along key shipping routes like Strait of Hormuz that carry oil and goods to India, giving it strategic value.  
  • Its location strengthens India’s ability to engage with West Asia and maintain a presence in this vital region. 
• Defence & Security: India partners with Bahrain through the Combined Maritime Forces and exercises like Passage Exercise (PASSEX), helping secure major sea lanes and support regional stability. 
  • Bahrain’s close ties with the US 5th Fleet Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT/C5F) help India strengthen naval coordination and support regional security. 
• Trade & Investment: Bilateral trade reached USD 1.7 billion in 2023–24 and USD 1.64 billion in 2024–25.  
  • India is among Bahrain’s top five trading partners, and two-way investments have risen by about 40% since 2019, with cooperation expanding across multiple sectors. 
• Multilateral diplomacy: Bahrain will hold a United Nation Security Council (UNSC) non-permanent seat in 2026–27, giving India an aligned partner in the region. 
• Indian Community: Nearly 332,000 Indians live in Bahrain (about a quarter of its population).  
  • They contribute significantly to Bahrain’s economy and help deepen social and cultural connections between the two countries. 
• Link and ACT West Policy: Bahrain is an important partner in India’s Link and ACT West policy, which focuses on building stronger ties with West Asia.  
  • The partnership supports India’s broader political and economic outreach in the Gulf region. 

Bahrain 

• Geography: Bahrain is a small Arab island country situated in a bay on the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf. The country is an archipelago of around 30 islands, with Bahrain Island being the largest.  
  • It is situated to the east of Saudi Arabia and west of Qatar. Bahrain also shares a maritime border with the Islamic Republic of Iran and is connected to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway. 
  • Most of Bahrain consists of desert with low, rocky and sandy plains. Its highest point is Jabal ad Dukham. 
• Capital: Manama. 
• Strategic & Historical Significance: It is widely believed to be the site of the ancient Dilmun civilization. 
  • Its strategic location has also made it a base for foreign naval fleets, including the US’s NAVCENT/5^th Fleet.

Conclusion

India–Bahrain relations are growing, marked by stronger security and trade cooperation. Bahrain’s Gulf location and large Indian community make it a key partner. The ties support India’s broader Act West outreach.

Drishti Mains Question:

Examine how India–Bahrain ties advance India’s Link and ACT West policy across security, economy, and diaspora diplomacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Why is Bahrain strategically important for India? 
Bahrain sits in the Persian Gulf along key shipping routes that carry oil and goods to India, giving it strategic value.  Its location strengthens India’s ability to engage with West Asia and maintain a presence in this vital region. 

2. What is the India-Bahrain trade snapshot? 
Bilateral trade is about USD 1.64 billion (FY 2024-25) and India is among Bahrain’s top five partners; two-way investments roughly USD 1.56 billion. 

3. What is Bahrain’s major physical landscape? 
Most of Bahrain is desert, with low, rocky and sandy plains. Bahrain has no land borders and it is connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Mains

Q. Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (2021)