Ties That Keep Growing
By TDT | Manama. Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com India-Bahrain cooperation reached new milestones in 2026 New Indian Consular Application Centre The Indian Consular Application Centre at Bahrain Mall has completed its first year of operations. It is the first facility of its kind established in Bah
Nearly 4,000 e-Visas for Bahrainis
The electronic visa system for Bahraini nationals has also marked its first anniversary. Nearly 4,000 Bahraini citizens have used the facility since its launch, reflecting increased interest in travel to India and the convenience of digital applications.
Defence and maritime cooperation
The Indian Embassy’s Permanent Defence Exhibition is now in its third year. The current edition highlights the role of the Indian Armed Forces in national development, with a focus on the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF-154) under the Combined Maritime Forces.
Indian Navy leads CTF-154
India joined the Combined Maritime Forces as an Associate Partner in 2022 and became a Full Member in 2023. On February 11, 2026, the Indian Navy assumed command of CTF-154, becoming the first Indian force to lead a CMF task force.
Under Indian leadership, CTF-154 has conducted 14 Staff Enhancement Training programmes, generating more than 2,200 participant-hours of professional training focused on interoperability and operational readiness among partner nations.
Operation Compass Rose 26-1 was conducted virtually from April 20 to 22, bringing together 137 participants from 25 partner nations.
Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 was scheduled to be hosted by the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy in Kochi from July 20 to 23, featuring practical and theoretical maritime training.
Painting exhibitions enter third year
The embassy’s annual painting exhibitions are entering their third year. This year’s programme features three exhibitions highlighting the longstanding friendship between India and Bahrain through art.
Trade and investment
Bilateral trade reaches US$1.66 billion
India-Bahrain bilateral trade reached US$1.66 billion between April 2025 and March 2026, an increase of 1.57% compared with the previous financial year. Two-way investments between India and Bahrain currently stand at approximately US$2 billion.
The first round of negotiations on a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) began in July 2026. The agreement is aimed at facilitating investment, simplifying tax compliance and strengthening business ties.
UN Security Council bid
India has launched its campaign to be elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-2029 term. The campaign is guided by the philosophy of “SHANTI” — Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity. Its priorities include strengthening the voice of the Global South, reforming multilateral institutions, promoting future-ready peacekeeping, supporting a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence, advancing a rules-based maritime order, and intensifying global efforts against terrorism and terror financing.