Bahrain

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated economic problems of Bahrain generated by depleting petroleum revenues, and the recovery remains marred in financial constraints and political disturbance. Two new oil and gas field discoveries announced in 2018 and 2022, respectively, have generated hopes for an economic turnaround, but their commercial viability is yet to be guaranteed. The tiny island Bahrain has witnessed turbulent times over the past decade due to political unrest and economic challenges. The trust deficit between the majority Shia community and the ruling Sunni family has grown, especially since the 2011 uprising. Accusations of repression, human rights violations and an uncompromising government response have worsened the situation. Financial challenges have created a greater Bahraini dependence on the neighbouring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, especially Saudi Arabia. The Indo-Bahraini relations go back to historical times, and a large Indian expatriate population is employed in the oil, financial, services and other sectors. The political ties strengthened with the first (since 1947) prime ministerial visit to Bahrain in 2019. India’s decision to join the Bahrain-based and US-led Combined Maritime Force (CMF) as its 35th member in May 2022 underlined New Delhi’s commitments to maritime security in the Gulf region and Bahrain’s significance role in it.