World’s Longest Serving Bahrain PM Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa passed away

November 12, 2020

World’s longest serving Prime Minister Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Bahrain PM, died on November 11. He was 84. He died at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in the United States. He became the Prime Minister of Bahrain on 19 January 1970 but took office on 5 August 1971 after the country’s independence.

Key Points

Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa was a dominant figure in the politics of the country.
He was seen as a leader who helped to flourish the modern economy. However, he was also accused of oppressing the Arab Spring protests in the country 2011.
He was also famous for his wealth. He had his own island where he met with foreign dignitaries.
Bahrain’s Royal Court has announced official mourning for a week on his death.

Awards and Honors won by Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa

The Bahrain PM had won United Nations’ top Honor for strengthening the global goal of sustainable development.
He was also the winner of World Peace Culture Award in 2017.

India-Bahrain Relations

In October 2020, Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, Piyush Srivastava and Bahrain’s Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa discussed to increase bilateral cooperation in business and financial sector.
In November 2019, PM Modi visited Bahrain and both the countries signed three agreements on culture, space, RuPay card and International Solar Alliance. It was the first ever visit of any Indian Prime Minister to Bahrain.
During his visit, PM Modi was also honored with “The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance” for strengthening bilateral relations between both the countries.
In 2014, Bahrain’s king visited India and both the countries signed two agreements for a US$450 million bilateral trade and investment.