India, Bahrain to start negotiations on defence cooperation MoU

India and Bahrain on Monday announced that they will start negotiations for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation shortly, also concurring on the early finalisation of an agreement on internal security cooperation.

A joint statement released after the first meeting of the India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC), which was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Bahraini counterpart Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, chronicled the discussions between the two leaders.

"The two sides discussed in detail various aspects of bilateral relations. These included 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," the statement said.

"The two sides agreed to start negotiations on an MoU on defence cooperation. They also agreed on early signature of the negotiated MOU on Internal Security cooperation. The Bahraini side requested to resume negotiations on the agreement on avoidance of double taxation, as it was initialled between the two governments in 1998," it added.

The joint statement further stated that India and Bahrain have signed an MoU on water resources development and management.

"During the HJC meeting, an MoU on water resources development and management was signed. The meeting provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including security situation in West Asia and South Asia," it read.

"During the meeting, the two sides underlined the close bilateral ties, deep-rooted in shared history and cultural affinities, sustained and nourished through growing economic linkages, multi-faceted cooperation and close people-to-people contacts," it added.

Earlier in the day, Shaikh Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa on Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi . The visiting dignitary expressed the deep 'emotional bonds of friendship' that exists between Bahrain and India, reiterating his nation's commitment towards deepening bilateral relations, especially in the fields of defence, security, counter- terrorism and trade and investment sectors.

Prime Minister Modi termed Bahrain ruler King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's visit to India in February 2014 as having provided 'vigour and momentum' to the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation to the support and cooperation being extended by Manama to the Indian community in Bahrain.

The second meeting of the High Joint Commission is scheduled to beheld in Manama in 2017.