Interior Minister signs security agreement in India

As part of his visit to India, Interior Minister Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa met India's Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh in the presence of the Bahrain Ambassador to India, Tariq Mubarak Bin Daina.

The Indian Minister welcomed the minister and wished him a productive visit. The Indian official commented on His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's successful visit to India in 2014, which he said resulted in Interior Minister's visit, and that he looked forward to an increase in security cooperation between India and Bahrain. He also expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to HM the King and Bahrain Government for the care the Indian community receives in Bahrain.

He said that the signing of a security cooperation between the two countries will contribute to further coordination regarding various security threats and he stated that stability and general order in GCC countries is important to India. He said terrorism is a major threat to all societies and requires cooperation in order to defeat it.

The minister expressed thanks to the Indian Minister, acknowledging the historic and increasing ties between the two friendly countries. He applauded the contributions of the Indian community since the inception of the Bahrain Police Force, stressing that Bahrain and India represent historical civilizations that exist on openness and respect for others.

He stressed the importance of increased cooperation to face the extraordinary security issues in the world and the need to eliminate religious and ideological extremism, which he sees as the source of terrorism.

The minister highlighted to his Indian counterpart the idea of the establishment of an Asian Police Organization to exchange security information, similar to Europol in the European Union. He said such an Organization would reinforce security cooperation and coordination to unify law enforcement efforts. Bilateral cooperation between the two countries and exchange of expertise and information was also discussed.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides signed a cooperation agreement to fight international terrorism, organised crime, illicit trafficking of drugs and narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals. The Interior Minister signed on behalf of the government of Bahrain and Minister Rajnath Singh on behalf of the Indian government. The agreement also includes cooperation in counterterrorism efforts including issues such as incitement and financing, and crimes against public property, illegal migration and human trafficking.

The agreement also outlines cooperation in scientific research, technology and skill development through scientific and technical assistance for law enforcement tools and equipment. In accordance to the agreement, the two sides will form a joint committee to define the full details and meet alternatively in both countries if required.

The minister also met Indian Director-General of the Coast Guard Vice-Admiral HCS Bisht who praised the visit of the Interior Minister and provided an overview of the mission and duties of the Indian coast guard.

The minister stated that the visit opens new areas of cooperation between the two countries out of the strong and strengthens the existing historical ties. He also discussed maritime security and encouraged the exchange of technology and expertise. The two sides agreed to an exchange visit between Bahrain and Indian coast guards to increase cooperation.