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The two sides exchanged views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest during the meetings, according to a joint statement.

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, India and Bahrain on Sunday called on the international community to reject the use of terrorism against other countries as both sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in the field of security, counter-terrorism and the exchange of intelligence and information during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Gulf Kingdom.

During his two-day visit to Bahrain, the first by an Indian prime minister, Mr, Modi held bilateral meetings with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and prince and Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The two sides exchanged views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest during the meetings, according to a joint statement.

“Both sides called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists perpetrating terrorism from all territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice,” the statement said without referring to any country.

India has been pressing Pakistan to end its state policy of backing cross-border terrorism and its support to terror groups on its soil.

India and Bahrain also discussed ways and means to further promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention of use of cyber space for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony.

The two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in the field of security, counter-terrorism and the exchange of intelligence and information, it said.

The leaders also noted the “need for concerted action by the international community against terrorism” and “underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN”.

They also said that regional connectivity projects should be based on international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, in an apparent reference to China’s push for its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

During the meetings, the two sides also noted the increasing trend of bilateral trade and existing potential for two-way investments and reaffirmed their desire to provide favourable environments for trade and investments.

The two countries agreed to focus on enhancing cooperation in energy, covering the areas of joint exploration and training of human resources. They underlined the importance of enhancing high-level political exchanges, defence and higher education cooperation, trade and economic relations and people-to-people linkages.

The two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf region, vital for the security and safety of sea lanes. The leaders also noted the increasing trend of bilateral trade and existing potential for two-way investments and reaffirmed their desire to provide favourable environments for trade and investments.

India also welcomed the interest of Bahrain to join the International Solar alliance (ISA), recognising the importance of it as international intergovernmental organisation, which has become an effective platform to facilitate the deployment of solar energy.

Both the sides also emphasised on the urgent need to pursue UN reforms, including the Security Council through an expansion of both categories of its membership, to make it more representative and effective in tackling global challenges.

The two countries also signed MoUs on cultural exchange programme, space technology, solar energy, the statement said.

An MoU was also signed between BENEFIT, a Bahrain company handling ATM and POS transactions among others, and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for launch of RuPay card in the Gulf Kingdom, it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred with top Bahraini award

Manama, Aug 25 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance by Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in recognition of New Delhi’s strong friendship with the Gulf nation and his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

Tweeting about the honour conferred upon him on Saturday night, Modi said: "I humbly accept The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance. This is a recognition of India’s strong friendship with Bahrain, which goes back hundreds of years and is expanding rapidly in the 21st century."

Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Bahrain.

"Thank you Bahrain... This visit sets the ground for even stronger bilateral cooperation between India and Bahrain. The discussions with top leaders, agreements inked and community interactions were truly memorable.

"Hospitality of the people and government was outstanding," he added in another tweet.

Modi and the Bahraini King reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations.

"Wonderful meeting with HM Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Majesty and I reviewed the complete range of India-Bahrain relations and we look forward to increased cooperation for the mutual benefit of our citizens," he further tweeted.

The Prime Minister also spent time at the Shreenathji Krishna temple in Manama, which is being renovated.

"Spent time at Bahrain’s Shreenathji Temple. This is among the oldest temples in the region and manifests the strong ties between India and Bahrain.

"Here are some blessed moments from the temple," he wrote, and attached a video clip of the event.

Modi also interacted with the Indian community at the temple.

Modi flew into Bahrain from the United Arab Emirates where he was also conferred with the country’s top civilian honour, the "Order of Zayed" earlier on Saturday.