Jaishankar Deepens India-Gulf Ties in Bahrain and Qatar Visits

In Bahrain, Jaishankar met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to emphasize the continuity of the nations' partnership. Discussions with Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani focused on expanding sectoral cooperation, with Jaishankar specifically acknowledging Bahrain’s influence as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term. These talks were framed by greetings from India’s top leadership, signaling a deliberate effort to keep bilateral relations at the forefront of foreign policy.

The second leg of the trip in Qatar underscored a shift toward economic integration. During his dialogue with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the conversation moved beyond traditional diplomatic pleasantries to address critical pillars of the relationship: trade, strategic investments, and energy stability. Both sides highlighted the deep-rooted people-to-people connections that continue to serve as the backbone for these expanding alliances.