MANAMA: Bahrain and India yesterday pledged to build on their historic relations, especially in investment and trade sectors.

These ties are a model for co-operation between peoples and civilisations, based on mutual respect, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said during a meeting with India’s External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is visiting Bahrain to attend a forum to strengthen the role of Indian expatriates hosted by Bahrain.

The Premier also praised the course of the growing Bahraini-Indian relations, which witness constant development and mirrors sincere and firm desire in promoting bilateral co-operation between the two countries.

He stressed Bahrain’s keen interest in expanding areas of co-operation with India, especially in investment and trade. He also said Bahrain is keen to bolster economic partnership that would reflect longstanding and historic ties of friendship between them.

The Premier underlined the progress witnessed by India on the economic and scientific arena, which has qualified it to be a regional power that attracts investors.

Bahrain looks forward to benefiting from India’s experiment in terms of scientific and high-tech progress, he added.

He paid tribute to the contribution of the Indian community to Bahrain’s development and said the Indian community enjoys the leadership and people’s care, respect and appreciation.

Ms Swaraj praised the Premier’s keenness to develop bilateral relations in all areas. She underlined the progress Bahrain has achieved in many areas.

Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa separately met Ms Swaraj and reviewed ties.