India and Bahrain to explore further avenues of cooperation in technology and skills

During his recent official visit to Bahrain on May 4-5, 2023, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan held discussions with Bahraini ministers on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring further avenues of cooperation in the fields of technology and skills.

As per the official press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), MoS Muraleedharan met with Bahrain's Minister of Finance Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Labour Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Social Development Osama Bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor and Undersecretary for Political Affairs of Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

During the meetings, both sides expressed happiness at the continued progress bilateral ties in recent years and the frequent exchange of Ministerial level visits between the two nations. They also appreciated the fact that commerce between the two nations has grown strongly and is anticipated to surpass USD 2 billion in FY 22–23.

Furthermore, MoS Muraleedharan commended the Bahraini government for providing the Indian community, particularly its workers and professionals, with exceptional care. Both sides also spoke about pertinent global and regional topics.

In addition to the meetings, MoS Muraleedharan, along with President of Bahrain Authority of Culture and Antiquities (BACA) Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa inaugurated the India-Bahrain Dance and Music Festival organised by Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam.

He also met a wide cross-section of Indian community members, such as organizations, medical professionals, social workers, and volunteers. Subsequently, he also interacted with more than 500 children from Indian schools during a gathering held at the Indian School, Bahrain. Later, at a gathering hosted by the Bahrain India Society, he spoke with prominent businesspeople from Bahrain and India and urged them to strengthen bilateral trade and investment links.

MoS Muraleedharan also visited a number of locations that showcase Bahrain's rich cultural legacy and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations, such as the famous Bab al Bahrain, "Little India" in the Manama Souq, and the Srinathji temple.

During his visit, both sides agreed to hold the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations at the Secretary level soon to maintain the momentum of high-level political visits and strengthen the existing ties between the two nations.