Panaji, May 29 (IANS): The National Institute of Oceanography here will train oceanographers from Bangladesh in the lead-up to a joint exploration of the Bay of Bengal by marine scientists from both countries, its director Sunil Kumar Singh said on Monday.

"Scientists from Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute will be visiting NIO for short and long term durations to train in oceanographic research and to have understanding of the subject. Similarly, NIO scientists will be visiting BORI to impart training in various fields of oceanography.

"It will not be limited to the training, but we will be doing joint oceanographic research. There is huge potential for research in the waters of Bay of Bengal," Singh told reporters at a press conference at the Centre for Scientific and Research-run Centre located near here.

"BORI is a new institute established three months back. They are going to start their research activity very soon... Our Prime Minister has said that India is going to help all the Commonwealth nations and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) nations," Singh said, adding that the exchange programme and the joint oceanic research initiative was worked out following a memorandum of understanding signed by the two national institutes.