External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar recently participated in the 20th IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.

Key areas of discussion at the Manama Dialogue include

• Regional Security Challenges: Impact of conflicts and their resolution mechanisms.
• Economic Trends and Policies: Addressing the economic boom in emerging economies and challenges faced by developed nations.
• Global Governance: Understanding the intentions of major powers and promoting effective governance amidst financial difficulties.
• Sustainability and Development: Exploring how to foster development despite global economic constraints.

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About Manama Dialogue

• The Manama Dialogue is an international security summit held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
• Origin: It is held annually since 2004 and is a central element of the Middle East’s security architecture.
• 2024 Theme: “Middle East Leadership in Shaping Regional Prosperity and Security”

• It enables national leaders, ministers and policymakers  to gather together to discuss the most pressing regional security issues and to share policy responses.
• Participation: The summit attracts a diverse audience, including, Government officials, Business leaders, Economists, International figures and Political and strategic thinkers from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and Latin America.

Significance of the Manama Dialogue

• Strengthening regional cooperation in the Gulf and beyond.
• Promoting dialogue between emerging and developed economies.
• Addressing contemporary challenges in security, economics, and governance.

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India’s Stance and Contributions

• Humanitarian Assistance and Palestine Support: India emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing West Asia conflict, advocating for humanitarian assistance and the return of hostages.
  • India’s support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was reaffirmed highlighting India’s consistent contributions, including medicines and relief supplies to Gaza through Egypt and Lebanon.
  • Geopolitical and Economic Cooperation: India acknowledged the impending demographic crunch and its implications on societies worldwide.
  • India EAM detailed India’s proactive approach through migration and mobility partnerships with countries like Japan, Australia, and several European nations.
• Push for Dialogues and Partnership: India’s support for the Abraham Accords and its active participation in the I2U2 Grouping (India, Israel, UAE, and the US) reflect its commitment to fostering strategic cooperation in areas such as water, energy, transportation, and food security.