This article covers cooperation between India and Bahrain beyond trade: maritime security and the Combined Maritime Forces, internal security, legal cooperation, health, renewable energy, space, and technology. It is based on the MEA bilateral brief of June 2026. The brief does not mention ITEC training, lines of credit or development projects for Bahrain, so this article covers the sectoral cooperation it does describe.

Maritime security

According to the MEA brief of June 2026, Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US-led 47-member Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). India joined the CMF as a full member in 2023.

In April 2025, the Indian Navy ship INS Tarkash, supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, intercepted and seized over 2500 kgs of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy took over command of CTF-154 in the CMF from Italy on 11 February 2026, and a contingent of 10 Indian Navy personnel is deployed as part of the Indian command of CTF-154. The brief adds that India's bid to command CTF-150 in the first half of 2027 has been accepted.

Three ships from the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy, INS Mormugoa, INS Tarkash and INS Tabar, made a port call at Manama from 8-11 September 2025. The brief states that the visit underscored India's commitment to regional maritime security under Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). INS Surat visited Bahrain in February 2026, and the brief says this strengthened operational cooperation with multinational forces.

Internal security and counter-terrorism

A Security Dialogue is held at the level of India's Dy. NSA and Bahrain's National Security Advisor. The 2nd Security Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 21 October 2016, and the 3rd is to be held in Bahrain.

A Joint Steering Committee brings together a Joint Secretary of India's Ministry of Home Affairs and the Chief of Public Security, Ministry of Interior, Bahrain. Its 2nd meeting was held on 07 October 2021.

In December 2015 the two countries signed an Agreement on Cooperation in combating international terrorism, transnational organized crime and trafficking in illicit drugs, narcotics and psychotropic substances and precursors chemicals.

Three legal agreements were signed in January 2004: an Agreement on Juridical and judicial Co-operation in Civil and Commercial Matters, an Extradition Treaty and an Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

Minister of State for Law & Justice and for Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal visited Bahrain from 28-30 May 2025. He met the CP/PM, the Minister of Legal Affairs and the Minister of Justice & Islamic Affairs, and officials of the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution. He visited again from 04 to 06 November 2025 for the King Hamad Lecture Ceremony on 05 November and the Conference on the Future of International Commercial Courts on 6 November 2025.

Health

The two countries signed an MoU for cooperation in the field of Healthcare in July 2018. A Joint Working Group (JWG) on Healthcare has met twice, both times virtually:

  • the 1st JWG on 22 February 2022, at the level of Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health, India, and the Director and Acting Undersecretary for Public Health, Ministry of Health, Bahrain
  • the 2nd JWG on 21 January 2025, at the level of Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India, and the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Health, Bahrain

The 3rd JWG on Healthcare is the next scheduled meeting.

Renewable energy and the International Solar Alliance

An MoU for cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy was signed in July 2018. The 1st Joint Working Group on Renewable Energy was held virtually on 04 February 2021 between a Joint Secretary of India's Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and the President of Bahrain's Sustainable Energy Authority. The 2nd JWG is the next scheduled meeting.

In August 2019 the two sides signed a Statement of Intent on collaboration of the Kingdom of Bahrain with the International Solar Alliance. Bahrain joined the ISA as its 86th Member in March 2022, depositing its Instrument of Accession on the sidelines of the Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi.

Space

An MoU on Cooperation in the exploration and uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes was signed in March 2019. In August 2019 the Indian Space Research Organisation and Bahrain's National Space Science Agency signed a Statement of Intent on collaboration in the area of Space Technology.

Other sectoral agreements

The brief lists further agreements in specific sectors:

  • MoU on Cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology (May 2012)
  • MoU on Water Resources Development and Management (February 2015)
  • MoU between National Audit Organization, Bahrain and Comptroller & Auditor General, India (August 2024)