New Delhi, Feb 4 (IANS) In a major step to enhance security cooperation with the Gulf region, home to 4.5 million-strong Indian diaspora, India and Kuwait have decided to set up a joint mechanism to combat terrorism and share information on terror groups in the region.

The decision to set up 'India-Kuwait Joint Mechanism on Combating International Terrorism' came after meetings between External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna and Kuwaiti leaders in Kuwait City.

Krishna returned from Kuwait Thursday after a two-day visit.

The mechanism will lead to greater intelligence sharing on the nexus between different terror groups in the region.

'We have agreed on setting up an India-Kuwait Joint Mechanism on Combating International Terrorism,' Krishna said.

'The well-being of India and that of this region are inter-linked. We have a vested interest to see that we live in surroundings that are calm, where our peoples have the opportunity to develop and prosper in the shadow of peace,' he said.

Besides terrorism, Krishna discussed an entire spectrum of issues with Kuwaiti leaders, including energy security, developments in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Middle East peace process, developments in Iraq and Iran and the UN Security Council reforms.

Kuwait, home to 580,000 Indians, contributes 12 percent of India's total crude oil imports. Bilateral trade is estimated to be over $8 billion