India, Bahrain to start talks on defence cooperation

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) India and key Gulf partner Bahrain have agreed to start negotiations on an MoU on defence cooperation as well as inking of an agreement on internal security during their first High Joint Commission (HJC) here co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Bahraini counterpart Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa.

In a joint statement issued Monday, both sides welcomed holding of the first meeting of the High Joint Commission Sunday, and agreed that the commission at the level of foreign ministers reflects accurately the depth and strength of bilateral ties.

"They also agreed on early signature of the negotiated MOU on Internal Security cooperation", it said.

The Bahraini minister also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday, during which the prime minister recalled the visit of the King of Bahrain to India in February 2014 that "provided new vigour and momentum to the bilateral relationship".

Modi appreciated the continuous support and cooperation being extended by Bahrain to over 400,000 Indians in Bahrain.

Al Khalifa extended an invitation from the prime minister of Bahrain to Modi to visit Bahrain.

He recalled the deep emotional bonds of friendship that are felt by the people of Bahrain towards India and conveyed the commitment of Bahrain to deepen bilateral relations, including in the areas of defence, security, counter terrorism, trade and investment, said a statement.

During the HJC meeting, the two sides discussed ways and means to expand bilateral cooperation in the field of education; trade, investment and commerce; security and defence cooperation, exchanges in sectors of media and communication; and issues relating to the Indian expatriate community in Bahrain.

It was decided that the Commission should meet at regular intervals alternatively in India and Bahrain, said the joint statement.

The Bahraini side also requested to resume negotiations on the agreement on avoidance of double taxation, as it was initialled between the two governments in 1998.

Both sides noted the existing potential for two-way investments and agreed to provide favourable environment for investors, both from public and private sectors, from the two countries.

Both sides agreed for regular and timely exchange of information on available investment opportunities.

Recognizing the enormous growth potential of the Indian economy, the Bahraini side expressed its willingness to consider making investments in India.

The Indian side highlighted the investment opportunities in India and underlined the "Make in India" campaign launched by Prime Minister Modi.

The Bahraini side welcomed the decision to open a regional office of the Confederation of Indian Industry in Manama to promote bilateral trade and investment.

During the HJC meeting, an MOU on Water Resources Development and Management was signed.