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India on Monday (November 3, 2025) reiterated that the Gaza peace plan of U.S. President Donald Trump would lead to a “lasting” solution to the West Asian conflict. Welcoming Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said there are “unprecedented” changes in the West Asian region as well as in the world. “I take the opportunity to reiterate our support for the Gaza Peace Plan, which we hope will lead to a lasting and durable solution,” said Mr. Jaishankar in his opening remarks. Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa had participated in the Sharm El Sheikh summit of October 13, 2025 where President Trump had introduced the Gaza peace plan to the regional stakeholders. A joint statement issued after the meeting of the High Joint Commission headed by Mr. Jaishankar and Mr. Alzayani said that India and Bahrain expressed optimism for “enhancing future collaboration in the areas of defence and security”. The statement also mentioned unequivocal condemnation of “terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed strong commitment to combatting terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.” The two sides highlighted that India is among the top five trading partners of the Kingdom of Bahrain and “noted the progress” made on the commencement of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. “Both sides agreed to develop a common understanding to commence Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) negotiations” to eliminate double taxation, provide tax certainty and promote trade and investment. The visit of the Bahraini Foreign Minister coincided with an informal consultation, where a Ministry of External Affairs delegation, under the leadership of Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra, met the Ambassadors of Arab countries for a dialogue on enhancing partnership between India and the League of Arab States (LAS). The discussion focused on implementing the Executive Programme of the India-Arab Cooperation Forum (IACF) covering areas such as energy, education, media and culture.
