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S Jaishankar met Bahrain's top leadership to advance bilateral cooperation and review regional developments. The talks underlined India's wider Gulf outreach amid shifting West Asian politics and ceasefire diplomacy.
Manama,UPDATED: Jul 7, 2026 23:08 IST
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded his Bahrain visit on Tuesday after meetings with the country’s top leadership and discussions on bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.
The visit was part of Jaishankar’s four-nation Gulf tour from July 5 to 10. He arrived in Bahrain on Monday from Qatar, and the tour also includes Kuwait and Oman. During the visit, he also met members of the Indian community in Bahrain.
On Tuesday morning, Jaishankar met Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. The meeting came a day after he held an audience with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "A pleasure to meet Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain H.E Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa this morning. Discussed taking forward our bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Also exchanged views on the regional situation."
On Monday, Jaishankar also met Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. According to a Ministry of External Affairs statement, the two sides reviewed India-Bahrain bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors. The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
The MEA said Jaishankar commended the Indian community in Bahrain for its valuable contribution to the country’s economic development and social fabric. He also appreciated its role in strengthening close people-to-people ties between India and Bahrain.
The ministry said Jaishankar also congratulated Bahrain on its role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026 to 2027.
The visit came against the backdrop of fast-evolving political developments in West Asia following the signing of an agreement on June 17 aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict. Bahrain was under direct Iranian missile and drone strikes before the ceasefire. Qatar and Oman have emerged as mediators, along with Pakistan, in bringing about the Iran ceasefire after weeks of escalating tensions. The indirect talks between the US and Iran are set to continue in Doha after the week-long funeral rites of Iran’s slain supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which started on Friday.
After visiting the four Gulf countries, Jaishankar will travel to New York on July 13 to launch India’s official campaign for the UN Security Council tenure of 2028-29. He will then attend the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting in Brussels on July 14 and 15.
Jaishankar’s Bahrain visit centred on talks with the country’s leadership on bilateral cooperation, regional developments and international issues, while also highlighting the role of the Indian community as part of his wider Gulf tour.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jul 7, 2026 23:08 IST
