First India-Bahrain High Joint Commission Meeting

New Delhi, Feb 23 (BNA) -- The first meeting of the India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) was held in New Delhi on Sunday, 22 February 2015. 1. The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Khalifa. During the visit, the Bahraini dignitary called on Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi on 23 February 2015. 2. The High Joint Commission was established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Bahrain during the historic State visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain to India from 18-20 February 2014. 3. Hon. Smt. Sushma Swaraj extended a warm welcome to the visiting dignitary and the accompanying Bahraini delegation to India. She noted the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and recalled the landmark State visit of His Majesty the King of Bahrain to India in February 2014, which laid a solid foundation for mutually beneficial bilateral ties. She also recalled her visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain in September 2014, during which she had an opportunity to meet the Bahraini leadership and held detailed and cordial talks with the Bahraini Foreign Minister. 4. Reciprocating the warm sentiments expressed by Hon. Smt. Sushma Swaraj, H.E. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, expressed appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and the accompanying delegation. He recalled his visit to India in March 2011 and the visit of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain on 30-31 May 2012 and subsequently on 17-18 March 2013. The two sides highlighted the importance of regular exchange of such high-level bilateral visits. 5. Both sides welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the High Joint Commission and agreed that the Commission at the level of Foreign Ministers reflects accurately the depth and strength of bilateral ties. It was decided that the Commission should meet at regular intervals alternatively in India and Bahrain. 6. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the regular follow up and implementation of the Joint Statement of 20 February 2014 issued at the conclusion of the State visit of His Majesty the King of Bahrain to India, including through holding of meetings of the existing bilateral institutional mechanisms. The two sides recognized that the third round of Foreign Office Consultations held on 20 October 2014 in New Delhi provided a useful opportunity to take stock of the full range of bilateral matters at the official level and prepared the necessary groundwork for the holding of the first High Joint Commission meeting. 7. 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. The wide-ranging discussions were held in a sincere, friendly and forward-looking atmosphere with useful exchange of views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. 8. Hon. Smt. Sushma Swaraj expressed gratitude for the leadership of the Kingdom of Bahrain to receive and host a large number of Indian expatriate citizens and for ensuring their continued well-being and safety. H.E. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa conveyed appreciation for the contribution of the Indian community, through their work ethics, professionalism and sincerity, towards the progress and development of Bahrain. 9. 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 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 initialed between the two Governments in 1998. 10. 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 Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on 25 September 2014 inviting foreign entrepreneurs to invest in the manufacturing sectors in India. 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. 11. During the HJC meeting, an MOU on Water Resources Development and Management was signed. 12. 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. 13. The Bahraini side thanked the Government of India for the warm welcome and generous hospitality. It was agreed that the second meeting of the Commission would be held in Manama, Bahrain in 2017, dates for which will be decided through the diplomatic channels.