Indian Council of World Affairs

Abstract: Bahrain has been pursuing a multi-vector policy of pursuing friendly relations with as many countries as possible. It is looking forward to develop ties with Asian economies like India that has been witnessing consistent economic growth. 

Introduction 

Bahrain is the smallest country in the Persian Gulf with a population of 1.5 million and has a distinct external behavior as compared to other GCC countries. As a small state it depends on the dominant powers for its survival and security; at the regional level it seeks support from Saudi Arabia and at the international level it gets assistance from United States of America (USA). Despite being a small country, by virtue of hosting the US Naval Command Head Quarter since 1948, it is important for the regional security architecture. It is a classic case of state behavior where a small state depends on bigger countries for its safety and security and it reflects very well in its foreign policy. However, there are a number of determinants for its existing foreign policy behavior ranging from its geographical location, demography, society, politics, economy, security and aid, regional environment and international environment. 

Geography
Section I: Determinants of the Bahrain’s Foreign Policy

Source: Ministry of Information, Bahrain

Geography is an important determinant for the foreign policy of Bahrain that is situated on the South West coast of the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain island and 30 smaller islands and is situated between the two regional heavyweights and territorially big states Saudi Arabia and Iran. Bahrain consists of two groups of islands extending 50 kms from north to south and 16 kms from east to west. These islands have also been a source of contention with the neighboring countries for Bahrain. For instance, Iran has dominated the Bahrain archipelago since its defeat of the Portuguese in the 7^th century and the ruling Al Khalifa clan of Bahrain showed its allegiance to the Persian Empire (as evident from the 1860 declarations).[i] It was only after, the UN sponsored limited opinion poll declared that the population favored independence over staying under the tutelage of Iran, that Manama became independent on 15 August 1971. Also, the dispute over Hawar and Al-Zubarah islands has soured Bahrain’s relations with Qatar in the past. Along with other reasons, discontent over the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision of 2001 awarding Qatar control over Zubarah and the Janan Islands, led Bahrain to side with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt in isolating Qatar from June 2017 to January 2021. Small size and crucial location instill a sense of insecurity in Bahrain belied by the presence of US naval command since 1948. 

Society and Demography 

Society and Demography also play important role in determining the foreign policy of a state. Bahrain’s population constitutes of 70.2 per cent Muslims, 10.2 per cent Christians and 0.21 per cent Jews. It is to be noted that Bahrain is a country ruled by the Sunni Al Khalifa family despite Shia’s forming the majority population[ii]  and it has been a deciding factor in the policy formation. Presence of 60-65 per cent Shia population instills a sense of insecurity for the rulers of Bahrain. Substantial number of Shia Bahrainis supported the Islamic revolution of 1979; the Islamic Front for the Liberation of Bahrain, a Shia militant organization based in Iran and financed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) advocated for theocratic rule in the GCC country from 1981-1990s, later to be disbanded in 2001 as a result of the reforms of Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.[iii] Again in 2011, when the Arab spring engulfed the entire region, the protests in Bahrain were framed within a sectarian prism and the ruler succumbed to the regional neighbours and retaliated with force. The neighborhood was concerned with the possibility of Shia takeover and its domino effect. 

Bahrain’s labor force comprises of 63 per cent overseas workers from India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka owing to its affordability of housing, ease of visa acquisition, and digital readiness. The country has launched golden visa residency program allowing residents and foreigners to reside or invest in Bahrain for a longer period. The government is well aware of the concerns regarding abuse and exploitation of immigrants by the middle men and has been taking measures to check it. Its national action plan aims to counter trafficking and abuse and it has constructed “Safe House” or shelter for abused overseas workers.[iv] The Labor Market Regulatory Authority of Bahrain works closely with the embassies of the labor exporting countries to ensure the protection of workers. 

Politics 

Diplomatic Corps is responsible for foreign policy formation in Bahrain; Department of foreign affairs established in 1969 and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established in 1971. Major objectives of the Bahrain foreign policy are to safeguard the national interests, assert sovereignty and independence, strengthen relations with other countries, and showcase its developmental achievements, historic civilization, and cultural heritage to the world. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs observes the regional and international events, highlights Bahrain’s achievements and looks after the concerns of its citizens residing in other countries. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the Constitution of Bahrain shape its foreign policy. The fact that the King as well as the Crown Prince have been educated in the United Kingdom (UK) and USA, reflects the close bilateral ties with these countries. 

Economy 

Economy is another determinant of Bahraini foreign policy and has shaped the same over time. Bahrain is relatively lesser financial resources as compared to other GCC countries and has the highest public debt.[v] Its oil revenue emanates from partial proceeds of a Saudi offshore oil field Abu Safah in addition to the on-shore Bahrain field. In 2018 the country announced discovery of oil and gas reserves on its west coast. Since oil and gas form around 70 per cent of Bahrain’s income, the government is diversifying its economy. Currently, Bahrain has one of the most diversified economies in the region, and attracts international investments. As per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain’s robust regulatory framework, well-developed legislative system, ease of doing business, talented workforce and favorable investment climate contribute to its appeal.[vi] Owing to the recovery in the tourism sector post pandemic and increased oil and non-oil export revenue, Bahrain’s economy is growing but the country is diversifying its economy through investments in green hydrogen and focusing on manufacturing plastics, fiberglass, chemicals, petrochemicals, and food processing. 

Security and Aid 

Consequently, the country depends on aid from its neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE that provided Bahrain with a $10 billion grants and loans aid package in 2018. Also being a major non-NATO ally, it depends on the USA for financing of oil and gas wells; since 2014, the U.S. has provided Bahrain with $22.5 million in Foreign Military Financing and $28.423 million in military grant assistance.[vii] Along with being an aid recipient and pursuing aid diplomacy, Bahrain provides aid in the region. For instance, it sent $1 million aid to Syria and Turkiye when they were affected by an earthquake in 2023[viii] and pledged $5.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for reconstruction efforts Gaza Strip in 2014.[ix] Bahrain engages in economic diplomacy with other countries through economic agreements and Free Trade Agreements. 

Regional Environment 

Regional environment plays an important role in determining the foreign policy of a country and Bahrain is not an exception. GCC Persian Gulf countries are important for Manama and the country depends on them while forging strong ties. GCC as an institution is also important for Bahrain; in 1981, the country along with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait came together to form the council and during the Gulf war (1990-91), Manama provided its port and airfields to the coalition forces driving Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. During the Arab Spring, the gulf country received support from the GCC countries as Peninsula shield force-including Saudi troops, Emirati policemen and Kuwaiti navy-was sent to Bahrain to contain the protests and save the government.[x]

Secondly, the country recognizes dominance of Saudi Arabia and more or less its foreign policy decisions follow the same line. It was part of the 2015 international coalition led by Saudi Arabia to intervene in Yemeni civil war.  In 2017, it was part of the quartet along with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt that isolated Qatar and strained its warming ties with Doha. Bahrain’s ties with Qatar were on an upswing after the resolution of Hawar island dispute in 2001. With Iran, the country shares a difficult relationship over presence of Shia community, latter’s claim on the island and Tehran’s opposition to the US presence in Bahrain. In wake of the Saudi-Iran rivalry before signing of March 2024 deal, Bahrain took a clear-cut position and sided with Saudi Arabia. In 2016, Bahrain supported Saudi Arabia in a dispute with Iran over the Saudi execution of a dissident Shia cleric.

International Environment 

As Bahrain’s policies are aligned with Saudi Arabia in the region, at the international level it is a strong ally of the US. At the behest of US, it signed the Abraham accords with Israel in 2020 along with UAE and the foreign minister of Bahrain attended the 2022 Negev Summit along with other signatories. However, since the outbreak of Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, Bahrain and Israel have each withdrawn their ambassadors but have not severed their existing relations. In March 2024, in co-ordination with Bahrain, US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Iran based operatives for supporting Ashtar Brigade (Bahraini Shia militant group). The two partners have seamless ties also visible in their cooperation in reigning in the Houthis. Bahrain is the only Arab member of the 22-nation coalition Operation Prosperity Guardian launched by US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) that aims at protecting maritime commerce from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea in December 2023. 

Bahrain-US ties have been sealed by the US access to Bahrain’s naval facilities. U.S. naval command has its presence in Bahrain since 1948; NAVCENT, the Fifth Fleet and the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula are head quartered at the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, that is identified as the only permanent U.S. military base in the region. In September 2023, during Bahraini Crown Prince’s visit to US, the two countries signed the ‘Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement’ (C-SIPA) addressing defense, trade, and scientific-technical cooperation. Around 85 per cent of Bahrain’s military equipment is of U.S.-origin; though Obama administration had linked improvement in human rights to arms sale to Bahrain and the condition was dropped by the Trump administration in the following years.[xi] 

Despite close ties with the US, Bahrain has maintained relations with Russia and China. Bahrain and Russia established ties in the 1990s and in 2007 announced the establishment of an Arab Russian Bank head quartered in Bahrain with an aim to ramp up the economic ties.[xii] The Bahraini King made state visit to Russia in 2008 and had a meeting with President Dmitriy Medvedev. In his 2015 visit he met President Putin and presented him a sword of Damascus steel and received a stallion in return. From Russia, a parliamentary delegation visited Bahrain in-order to boost up bilateral relations. In 2022, the Bahraini monarch declared his readiness to mediate negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv in wake of the Ukraine crisis. During King’s visit to Russia in May 2024, Bahrain sought support for the international peace conference. Russia has invited Bahrain at the Kazan BRICS summit to be held in October 2024. 

Similarly, Bahrain has maintained ties with China despite its strong relations with the US. Formal relations were established between the two countries in 1989. Bahraini King made a state visit to China in May 2024 and the two countries announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that Bahrain is a good friend and partner of China in the Gulf region even though the two countries have different national conditions. China expressed its willingness to strengthen cooperation with Bahrain in energy, investment, transportation, and digital economy, while strengthening the Belt and Road cooperation (BRI). Bahrain became part of BRI in 2018. Bahrain supports ‘One China’ policy and is keen to engage in multi-lateral cooperation with China. Also, the bilateral ties are cemented by the fact that China shares the same stance as Bahrain on the Palestinian question.[xiii]

Section II: Evolution of the Bahrain’s Foreign Policy

When Bahrain got independent in 1971, it was under the rule of Emir Isa ibn Salman al Khalifa known for exemplary work in charity, reforms and construction. He became the ruler of Bahrain after his father’s demise in 1961 and founded the modern state of Bahrain. Focusing on the economic diversification, he gave impetus to the developmental projects and citizen welfare. Due to his efforts Bahrain was able to carve an image of a tolerant country and as a hub for international banking, finance and tourism. He strongly emphasized on education, health and infrastructure and played an important role in building the Bahrain University, Military Hospital, International Airport and the Salman Port. More importantly, during his rule Bahrain ended the British Protectorate Treaty. 

Also, Isa ibn Salman al Khalifa created a foreign policy focused on strong interconnectivity with the Middle East while opening up relations with the west at the same time. Being passionate about forming international allegiances, his first act as the Emir was to apply for membership for Bahrain at the United Nations and the Arab League. He was also instrumental in Bahrain joining the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981. Moreover, he envisaged an open and liberal economy attracting foreign investments transforming Bahrain into a multicultural and diverse society. In a way, under him, Bahrain with finite hydrocarbon resources paved the way for economic diversification for the other GCC countries. 

Along with that, Bahrain under the rule of Isa ibn Salman al Khalifa believed in the cause of regional integration and joined the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981. It also provided its port and airfields to the coalition forces driving out Iraqi forces out of Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91. It has been an advocate of regional integration and enhanced defence and security cooperation among the neighboring countries. To that end, he laid down the cornerstone of King Fahd Causeway Project linking Bahrain to the western coast of Saudi Arabia and under his rule the Bahraini newspaper Gulf News began its issues covering regional news. 

After the demise of Isa ibn Salman al Khalifa in 1999, his son Sheikh Hamad ibn Isa al Khalifa became the Emir of Bahrain. Sheikh Hamad’s main focus was on resolving territorial disputes and mending ties with Qatar. Due to his persistent efforts and high-level official contacts the dispute was resolved in 2001. The current ruler’s second major emphasis was on improving the domestic situation and to that end he introduced certain reforms in the administration sector. However, the reforms did not mean much for his rule that was contested by the protestors during the Arab spring. The demonstrations called for political and economic reform and protested discrimination against the Shia community in Bahrain. At that time, Saudi and Emirati forces came to the help of Bahraini government. Bahrain has maintained good ties with the two countries and it reflected again when the three gulf countries along with Egypt isolated Qatar in 2017. 

Arab spring marked an important point in the Bahraini politics; the country that was about to become a constitutional monarchy before the protests, ended up witnessing sectarian violence and attracting attention worldwide for the violation of human rights. Arab spring sowed a sense of insecurity in the monarchy not only in Bahrain but among the other regional monarchies. Economically vulnerable Bahrain monarchy resorted to appeasement as well as repression. Domestically, Arab Spring added to the economic and political vulnerability of Bahrain that experienced a number of clashes between the security forces and protestors since 2011. Arab spring has cost around $ 2 million to Bahrain owing to the cancellation of the Grand Prix 2011 and reduction of the external investments. At the regional level, Bahrain demarcated the red line for GCC monarchies that came together for its support and at the international level, it came under the scrutiny for human rights violations and weak civil society.   

Bahrain, has also engaged in mediation activities in the conflicts, but has not had as much successes as other neighboring countries, probably due to its closeness to the US. It involved as part of multilateral groups-was a party in the Kosovo process (1999) mediated through the UN, engaged in multilateral conflict mediation in the Afghanistan (2006, 2011), and supported the Iraq peace process (2004).[xiv]

Section III: Changing Dynamics of the Bahrain’s Foreign Policy 

During the first three decades after the independence of Bahrain, its foreign policy remained more or less consistent characterized by being an ally of the USA and pursuing a foreign policy in sync with that of Saudi Arabia. However, in the recent two decades it has become apparent that the country is pursuing a multi vector policy pursuing friendly relations with as many countries as possible. Saudi-Iran reproachment has also enabled it to look at pursuing these two heavyweights as well other countries that earlier supported either of the two. At the international level as well, it is looking beyond its traditional partners and is engaging with Russia and China while pursuing its ties with USA and is taking some decisions independent of the Saudi policies. In this line, it has appreciated Chinese values and policy propositions towards a multipolar world order.[xv]

Bahrain has realized that the dwindling economic resources in the form of oil reserves will not take it far and it has compelled it to look for support in the neighborhood with countries other than Saudi Arabia. In UAE, it has found a friendly country with which it can have cooperation in various fields without any strings attached. Bahrain is pursuing ties with UAE in military and security sector and the two countries conducted anti-terrorism drill ‘Jelmoud 3’ in 2022. It is also looking at expanding cooperation in space sector; in 2021 the two countries launched the first Bahraini-UAE joint satellite, ‘Light 1’. Bahrain is also looking at investing in energy transition efforts by focusing on renewable and clean energy. Standing alongside UAE, Bahrain signed the Abraham accords with Israel as well as played a key role in isolating Doha during Qatar crisis. Gradually, Bahrain is also improving its ties with other neighbors including Qatar and Iran. 

As a small gulf state, Bahrain faces a dilemma in dealing with international powers like Russia that are engaging with the region pro-actively while hosting bases of US that seems to be gradually withdrawing from the region. On the one hand Bahrain voted in favor of the 2 March 2022 UNGA resolution condemning the Russian invasion while on the other it offered to mediate between the warring sides. Other challenges that impact decision making in a small country situated in a volatile region is the fast-changing dynamics requiring sincere and quick responses. For instance, the signing of Abraham accords -with Saudi Arabia still contemplating- is beneficial for this small country but in wake of the Gaza crisis its loyalties are being tested. 

Bahraini government appears to be in a difficult position and is attempting to retain relations with Israel while avoiding antagonizing the Bahraini public, which is largely supportive of the Palestinians.[xvi] In addition, till 2023 when Saudi and Iran were rivals it was easier for Bahrain to side with the dominant Arab neighbor, but now that Saudi Arabia and Iran have signed the joint agreement for cooperation, Bahrain is looking to engage with Iran. Bahrain and Iran have agreed to hold talks for restoration of bilateral ties between the two countries, following a meeting between their foreign ministers in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue summit in Tehran. 

In order to mitigate this challenge, Bahrain is focusing on being part of the multilateral institutions. It realizes that being part of these institutions provides voice and a seat for smaller countries at the table. It also provides an opportunity to bandwagon with the bigger countries as per their own national interests. Bahrain became a dialogue partner at Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in July 2023,[xvii] (other dialogue partners from the region are Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Turkey).[xviii] Bahrain became a member of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in 2011 (other members from GCC are Kuwait, UAE and Qatar and Saudi Arabia has an observer status).[xix] Also, Bahrain is part of the Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). 

Also, Bahrain is focusing on the economic diplomacy and has signed the Abraham accords with Israel in 2020. The trade between Israel and Bahrain reached US$6.5 million in 2021 from nil in 2020.[xx] It is also considering constructing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility to reduce the domestic natural gas consumption and decarbonize its economy.[xxi] In order to focus on the economic interests Bahrain is looking towards African and Latin American economies to its west and Asian countries to its east. As per a report titled ‘Africa Horizons: The Continent’s Unique Guide to Real Estate Investment Trends and Opportunities (2023/2024)’, by a London based consultancy company Knight Frank LLP, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain have invested over US $100 billion in Africa over the past decade in financial services, transportation and warehousing, environmental technology, ICT and electronics and construction. 

Bahrain is also enhancing its ties with Central Asia, East Asia and South Asia as the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has emphasized on expanding relations and joint cooperation with the Asian continent so as to enhance cooperation, encourage dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, and promote regional and international peace and security. The gulf country is looking to invest in Central Asian economies like Kyrgyzstan that is rich in mineral resources and has immense potential for development of the hydropower sector. Bahrain is also developing a key roadmap for trade and economic cooperation and establishment of a business council with Kazakhstan. Along with that Bahrain has been actively participating in the GCC-Central Asian strategic dialogue. In order to forge stronger ties with the ASEAN countries Bahrain has acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and has established ASEAN-Bahrain Council. Bahrain is also looking to expand its ties through comprehensive partnership with Japan as the two countries completed 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2022. The gulf country is pro-actively engaging with the South Asian countries that sends labor to the gulf country, and trade, investments and defense and security are other areas of cooperation. More importantly, Bahrain shares a special bilateral relationship and is keen to enhance economic engagements with India. 

Bahrain’s Engagement with India 

Bahrain looks at increasing economic engagements with India as it is aware of the potential of the growing Indian economy. Also, Bahrain aims for a vibrant private led economy through vision 2030 and ‘Look East Policy’ and India is a major pivot. In March 2023, a business delegation led by the industry minister of Bahrain visited India to participate in the Confederation of Indian Industry’s ‘Partnership Summit’ and held meetings with FICCI and other economic organisations. MoUs were signed between Bahrain India Society and CII; and between SME Development Society of Bahrain with SME Chamber of FICCI. India is among the top five trading partners of Bahrain and in 2022-23, it registered growth of about 20 per cent. India is the 6th largest investor in Bahrain with investments in financial services, real estate, IT and hospitality, health and education sector. Bahrain does not have considerable investments in India but in the recent years it has begun investing in real estate, information technology and engineering. Bahrain’s Investcorp has invested $500 million in 13 Indian companies including online retailer Fresh to Home and ASG Eye hospitals and is planning to invest $400 million in Indian Schools and warehousing. E-commerce ventures are becoming successful in India due to rising paying capacity and the ease of digital economic transactions and has a lot of untapped potential. India and Bahrain can cooperate and collaborate on such emerging enterprises and ventures. 

On the other hand, the Gulf country is important for India as it hosts 350,000 Indians engaged in construction and maintenance sectors.[xxii] Under the leadership of PM Modi, India embraces Bahrain as part of its extended neighborhood and his 2019 visit to Bahrain was the first ever official visit to Bahrain by an Indian Prime Minister. During the visit he launched the re-development project for the 200-year-old Sri Krishna temple for the benefit of Indian community in Bahrain. In 2014, the Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre signed agreements with the Bahrain Economic Development Board and the Bahrain India Society for the welfare of Indians in Bahrain. Semi-skilled, skilled and high skilled Indians play an important role in the Bahrain’s socio-economic development and India appreciates the care provided to them during the COVID-19 crisis by the Bahrain authorities. There have been cases of abuse and exploitation of Indian employees by the Bahraini employers but the government is undertaking reforms in the labor sector by transferring the responsibility for issuing work permits to employers from the Ministry of Labour to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, and has introduced flexi visas while ensuring online verification of the work permit/visa of prospective employees. Nevertheless, biased work contracts, ‘free visa’ and ‘visit visa’ still enable loop holes to be misused by employers and agents at the both ends. India and Bahrain should work together to resolve these issues that impacts the Indians in Bahrain. 

There has been an increased focus on the cooperation in energy sector with a number of high-level bilateral visits. India mainly imports liquified propane and butane gases as cooking fuel from Bahrain and exports petroleum products like light oil distillates to the gulf country. Moreover, India has shown interest in the upstream and downstream processes of oil and gas reserves of Bahrain. In the renewable sector, India is looking forward to the partnership with Bahrain in solar and wind energy and green hydrogen. India had invited Bahrain for the Clean Hydrogen Round Table in 2021. Further, there is potential for the two countries to cooperate on commercial production of green hydrogen. Bahrain’s signing and ratification of the International solar Alliance framework agreement signifies potential for further cooperation in the renewable sector for both the countries. 

India and Bahrain are cooperating in the field of Information technology and communication, and there is potential to take it further by collaborating in data center and cloud computing. An agreement has been signed between the Bahrain Economic Development Board and the National Association of Software and Service Companies of India. India has achieved significant growth in the IT sector especially in digital technologies and payments and collaboration in the same will lead to strengthening of bilateral ties. The two countries have already taken a step in this regard through the collaboration between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Bahrain’s Electronic Network for Financial Transactions (BENEFIT) for launch of Ru-Pay card.     

Also, there is an opportunity for the two countries to cooperate in defense and security, space and civil aviation sector. Terrorism forms the primary area of focus for the bilateral ties and the two countries are also collaborating on cyber security in context of terrorist activities. Maritime security is another domain for cooperation for the two countries with India joining Combined Maritime Force (CMF) as an Associate Partner in 2022. As far as cooperation in space sector is concerned, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the National Space Science Agency of Bahrain (NSSA) have already signed an agreement of cooperation. With the Indian space program making giant leaps with the successful launch of the SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission and Bahrain’s increasing focus on harnessing space technologies for national development, it is prudent for the two to forge active partnership in this sector. Bahrain is also promoting space science and applications while developing advanced space research programs.  In addition, the two countries are also looking at strengthening partnership in civil aviation and to that end, in March 2023, the Transportation and Telecommunications Minister of Bahrain held a meeting with Indian Civilian Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and discussed aspects of joint cooperation in civil aviation. 

Lastly, the visa exemption for short stay of diplomatic passport holders by Bahrain is a welcome step but a similar approach to promote tourism in India for Bahraini travelers would be appreciated. Health tourism can also be promoted for Bahraini citizens in India even though India is engaged in cooperation in the   pharmaceutical sector and alternative medicine. In the field of education too, the two countries are cooperating; Jawaharlal Nehru University and Bahrain university have signed an agreement of cooperation. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of India and National Authority for Qualifications and Quality Assurance of Education and Training (QQA) of Bahrain have signed an agreement for external quality assurance in higher education institutions. At the level of thinktank collaboration, Bahrain thinktank Derasat-focusing on international and strategic affairs-has signed an MoU with the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) and can have a similar MoU with other thinktanks like the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). 

Conclusion 

Being the smallest country in the Persian Gulf, Bahrain has a distinct external behavior with strong dependence on USA at international level and Saudi Arabia at the regional level. Consisting of 30 small islands that have been a source of contention for Bahrain, the country looks for safety and security by allying with the dominant actors. Further, the country with Shia majority population governed by Sunni rulers has witnessed sectarian protests and needs strong regional support to maintain internal stability. But the gulf country has lesser economic resources compared to others and is focusing heavily on diversification of economy. To this end, Bahrain is engaging with other countries in the region and is balancing ties with international actors like Russia and China. 

Emir Isa ibn Salman al Khalifa founded the modern state of Bahrain focusing on development, welfare, interconnectivity, and regional integration and his son sheikh Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa aimed to resolve territorial disputes, mend ties with Qatar and maintain domestic stability through introduction of reforms. In the recent two decades, Bahrain has been pursuing a multi-vector policy of pursuing friendly relations with as many countries as possible. It is looking forward to develop ties with Asian economies like India that has been witnessing consistent economic growth. 

The two countries are moving forward in energy cooperation with enhanced focus on renewables, and technology cooperation with increased emphasis on digital payment system. There is an opportunity for India and Bahrain to accelerate cooperation in defense and security, space and civil aviation sector. Also, with availability of world-class English-speaking doctors and medical facilities at a very cheap cost, there is scope to promote health tourism for Bahraini citizens in India. Lastly, India-Bahrain think tank cooperation can be taken a notch higher with Derasat -a Bahraini thinktank focusing on international and strategic affairs- signing MoU with the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).

*****

*Dr. Lakshmi Priya, Research Fellow, Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal

Endnotes

[i] Fereydoun Adamiyat, Bahrain Islands: A Legal and Diplomatic Study of the British-Iranian Controversy, Frederick A Praeger Publishers, New York, pp. 255-258.

[ii] Sunnis and Shia in the Middle East, BBC, 19 December 2013, available at https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-25434060 (Accessed on 15 May 2024).

[iii] Raymond Hinnebusch, The International Politics of the Middle East by, 2003, Manchester University Press, p194.

[iv] International Organization for Migration, United Nations, available at https://www.iom.int/countries/bahrain#:~:text=According%20to%20Bahraini%20government%20estimates,Bangladesh%2C%20Pakistan%20and%20Sri%20Lanka. (Accessed on 15 May 2024).

[v] Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), ‘Country Forecast: Bahrain,’ January 2024.

[vi] Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain, available at https://www.mofa.gov.bh/en/economy-and-investment#:~:text=The%20Kingdom%20of%20Bahrain%20boasts,climate%20contribute%20to%20its%20appeal. (Accessed on 15 May 2024).

[vii] U.S. Security Cooperation with Bahrain, Fact Sheet, US Department of Space, available at https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-bahrain/ (Accessed on 20 May 2024).

[viii] Bahrain sends $1mln relief aid to Türkiye and Syria, Zawya, 15 February 2023, available at https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/bahrain-sends-1mln-relief-aid-to-turkiye-and-syria-keos2in8 (Accessed on 20 May 2024).

[ix] Bharain stands with Gaza, United Nations Relief and Works Agency, 12 August 2014, available at https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/press-releases/bahrain-stands-gaza (Accessed on 20 May 2024).

[x] Saudi Troops Enter Bahrain to put Down Unrest, New York Times, 15 March 2011, available at https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/world/middleeast/15bahrain.html (Accessed on 20 May 2024).

[xi] Bahrain: Issues for U.S. Policy (95-1013), Congressional Research Service, available at https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/details?prodcode=95-1013 (Accessed on 24 May 2024).

[xii] Walid Maazi, Bahrain, Russia to Jointly Set Up Bank, Arab News, 23 May 2007, available at   https://www.arabnews.com/node/298748 (Accessed on 24 May 2024).

[xiii] Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Consulate General of China in Erbil, 31 May 2024, available at http://erbil.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng/zgxw/202406/t20240611_11424736.htm#:~:text=The%20two%20sides%20agreed%20to,benefits%20to%20the%20two%20peoples. (Accessed on 05 June 2024).

[xiv] Courteney Freer, Interrogating Different Modes of GCC Conflict Mediation, Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform, available at https://peacerep.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Freer-2023-Interrogating-Different-Modes-of-GCC-Conflict-Mediation-GT.pdf (Accessed on 05 June 2024).

[xv] Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Embassy of China in India, 31 May 2024, available at http://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zgxw/202406/t20240611_11424736.htm (Accessed on 05 June 2024).

[xvi] Bahrain’s Foreign Policy: Distinct from Other Arab Nations, Fanack, 23 January 2024, available at https://fanack.com/politics/features-insights/bahrains-foreign-policy-distinct-from-other-arab-nations~266420/ (Accessed on 05 June 2024).

[xvii] Bahrain granted the status of SCO dialogue partner, Bahrain News Agency, 15 July 2023, available at https://www.bna.bh/en/BahraingrantedthestatusofSCOdialoguepartner.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDlDCMEcGKMPY4rKOqGpdTL4%3D (Accessed on 05 June 2024).

[xviii] Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, available at https://eng.sectsco.org/20170109/192193.html (Accessed on 05 June 2024).

[xix] Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, available at https://www.s-cica.org/index.php?view=page&t=press_releases&id=1941 (Accessed on 05 June 2024).

[xx] Abraham Accords, Progress Report, 2021, A Year in Review, Abraham Accords Peace Institute, available at https://www.aapeaceinstitute.org/assets/uploads/docs/AAPI_2021_Progress_Summary.pdf (Accessed 15 August 2023).

[xxi] Ron Bousso, Bahrain explores constructing LNG export facility, Reuters, 08 March 2023, available at https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/ceraweek-bahrain-explores-constructing-lng-export-facility-2023-03-08/ (Accessed on 05 June 2024).

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