Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan paid an official visit to Kingdom of Bahrain on 04-05 May 2023. During the visit he held discussions with Bahrain’s Minister of Finance H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Labour H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan and Minister of Social Development H.E. Mr. Osama Bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor. MoS also met Undersecretary for Political Affairs of Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. He interacted with H.E. Mr. Abdulnabi Salman, Dy Speaker, Council of Representatives (Lower House) and other parliamentarians during a reception by Indian community and friends of India in Bahrain.

MoS and Bahrain’s Ministers expressed happiness at the continued progress in bilateral relations in recent years. There has been regular exchange of Ministerial level visits. Bilateral trade has shown robust growth and expected to reach USD 2 billion mark in FY 22-23. MoS thanked the Bahraini leadership for taking excellent care of Indian community including Indian workers and professionals. Both sides agreed to discuss further avenues of cooperation including in the fields of technology and skills. Both sides also discussed regional and international issues of common interest.

MoS inaugurated the India-Bahrain Dance and Music Festival organised by Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam together with President of Bahrain Authority of Culture and Antiquities (BACA) H.E. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. He also met a wide cross-section of Indian community including social workers and volunteers, associations and medical fraternity. MoS interacted with more than 500 students of Indian schools at an event organised at the Indian School, Bahrain. He interacted with prominent Indian and Bahraini businessmen at an event organised by Bahrain India Society and encouraged them to further cement trade and investment ties between both countries.MoS also visited various places reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Bahrain and people-to-people contacts between both countries including the iconic Bab al Bahrain, ‘Little India’ in Manama souq and Srinathji temple.

Both sides agreed to hold the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations at Secretary level soon and maintain the momentum of high level political visits.

New Delhi
May 05, 2023