Both sides have expressed satisfaction on the steady progress in bilateral cooperation
The sixth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Bahrain gave the two sides an opportunity to discuss the impressive growth of bilateral rade which touched record levels in 2022-23.

The FOC, which took place in Manama, Bahrain from May 29–31, was co-chaired by Undersecretary (Political Affairs), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Bahrain, Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India Ausaf Sayeed.

According to information released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday (May 31, 2023), the two sides thoroughly reviewed all facets of their bilateral cooperation, which covered a wide range of topics including security, space, youth, parliament, media and information, trade, energy (including renewable energy), fintech, IT, big data, health, tourism, labor and consular issues, culture and education, and intercultural dialogue.

Both sides expressed satisfaction on the steady progress on various areas of bilateral cooperation and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the relationship, the MEA added.

"They noted the impressive growth of bilateral trade and economic collaboration with bilateral trade reaching close to USD 2 billion in FY 2022-23, almost doubling from pre-Covid period," the MEA said.

This positive development also figured in the discussions when the MEA Secretary called on Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro on 31 May, 2023. The discussions focused on trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

An important outcome of the FOC was the decision to create a Joint Consular Committee, which would enable improved collaboration between the Ministries of External Affairs (MEA) of India and Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Bahrain in the area of consular matters.

The committee will act as a forum for regular discussions and information sharing on consular matters, with the goal of enhancing the welfare and protection of the Indian community in Bahrain. This move reflects the commitment of both countries to prioritize the needs and concerns of their respective diasporas.

On his visit to Bahrain, Secretary Sayeed also got the chance to speak with a cross-section of Indian residents. In a meeting held at the Indian Embassy, he met with the leaders of Indian associations, the Indian medical fraternity, and Indian schools in Bahrain. He briefed them about the assistance and welfare measures being carried out by the Government of India and gave them the assurance that the Indian government places a high priority on connecting with the Indian diaspora.

The MEA Secretary also thanked the Bahraini leadership and government for their efforts to ensure the welfare and well-being of the Indian population there on behalf of the Government of India.

As per the official press release from the MEA, the visit was positively received by the Government and the people of Bahrain, and it provided an opportunity to review and discuss further strengthening multifaceted bilateral ties between the two countries.