India + Bahrain commence FTA talks

India, Bahrain commence FTA talks: India and Bahrain announced the launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement while agreeing to explore a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement — even as talks on a Bilateral Investment Treaty are already underway, Financial Express reports. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani co-chaired the fifth India-Bahrain High Joint Commission in New Delhi.

Jaishankar added that the timely signing of the investment treaty and a joint working group on trade would strengthen economic ties. He encouraged Bahraini investors to explore avenues for investment in India, highlighting emerging sectors such as space, fintech, and tech. He also lauded Bahrain’s upcoming GCC presidency and reiterated Indian support for regional peace efforts, including the Gaza plan.