In a significant diplomatic engagement, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, called on Bahrain Prime Minister and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, at Riffa Palace on February 10. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral ties and naval cooperation, including information sharing, joint training, capacity building, and future warfare preparedness.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to deepen India-Bahrain defense collaboration, building on recent engagements in trade, security, and people-to-people exchanges. The Indian Navy highlighted that both sides explored avenues for strategic maritime partnerships in the Gulf region, an area of growing importance for regional security.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, ahead of the US-hosted 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial. The discussions underscored the growing synergy between India and Bahrain in defense, trade, and technology sectors.

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The Indian Embassy in Bahrain recently hosted a 77th Republic Day reception, attended by over 400 dignitaries, including government officials, MPs, and diplomatic corps members. Cultural events, including a painting exhibition titled ‘Indo-Bahrain Friendship’ and musical performances by the Uttarakhand Society of Bahrain and rapper Hussam Aseem, highlighted the strengthening cultural and community ties.

Last November, the two countries co-chaired the 5th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting in New Delhi. The session reviewed progress in trade, defense, health, culture, and emerging sectors such as space, fintech, and cyber domains. EAM Jaishankar expressed confidence that India-GCC ties will continue to deepen as Bahrain assumes the GCC presidency.

Both Indian and Bahraini officials emphasised the welfare of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain, as well as shared perspectives on regional and global developments, reflecting a multi-dimensional partnership aimed at strategic, economic, and cultural collaboration.

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