The agreement which was concluded after two-day discussions between the Civil Aviation authorities from India and Bahrain. The Indian Civil Aviation delegation was led by HE Mr. R.K. Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Deputy Secretary Government of India, Mr. M.S. Chopra along with the Civil Aviation Director for Regulation and Information Mr. K.P. Maggon and other senior officials from Indian aviation.

The Kingdom of Bahrain was led by the Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs, HE Capt. Abdulrahman Al Gaoud. He was accompanied by HE The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain Mohammed Ghassan Shaikho, Gulf Air President and Chief Executive Mr. Björn Näf and senior officials from Bahrain's civil aviation and the airline.

"This bilateral aviation agreement is a testament to the longstanding strong relations between Bahrain and India and this will further strengthen our symbiotic relations," said Bahrain Civil Aviations Affairs Undersecretary HE Capt. Abdulrahman Al Gaoud, who led the Bahrain delegation to the high-level talks in Delhi.

Gulf Air's President Chief Executive Mr. Näf, who is on his first visit to India, hailed the agreement as a historic and momentous development for the airline, which is the sole national carrier of Bahrain.

"The success of this swift bilateral aviation agreement between the kingdom of Bahrain and India presents a golden opportunity for the two countries to further boost their economic and cultural development."

"Being the first Middle East carrier to operate to India, Gulf Air considers this as a token of appreciation for its long term commitment to serve India. And as part of our efforts to be the airline of choice, we are looking at the rapidly growing India market as one of our stepping stones to success," says Mr. Näf.

He added that Gulf Air has aggressively embarked on its expansion plans with the recent announcement of the Boeing 787 order valued at nearly US$ 6 billion in list prices.

Commenting on Gulf Air's expansion in the country, Mr. Rajeev Nambiar, General Manager of Gulf Air, India, said he was delighted with the outcome of the high-level talks.

"Gulf Air has been witnessing tremendous growth in India and we look forward to strengthening our presence in the country which has one of the worlds’ fastest growing economy. Indian market has always been a key focus area for Gulf Air and added capacity shall compliment our services to Indian travelers," added Mr. Nambiar.