NEW DELHI, Feb 11:
Visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today said his country was keen on strengthening the strategic partnership with India.
‘’India-UAE relations are underpinned by cultural roots that go beyond already-strong political and economic ties. Bilateral relations between the UAE and India are strong and we are keen on strengthening our strategic partnership,’’ the Crown Prince said after a ceremonial reception was accorded to him at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
On his arrival, he was greeted by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was also welcomed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other members of the union cabinet as well as the chiefs of the three armed forces. India-UAE ties are set to receive more traction and the visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be signing as many as 16 agreements on various aspects of cooperation.
The two sides will forge agreements on defence manufacturing, infrastructure and trade and India has already signed investment protection agreement with the Arab nation which will unlock foreign direction investment from UAE in India. Brushing aside the protocol yesterday, Mr Modi went to the airport to receive the Crown Prince Al Nahyan, who too had come to receive the PM at the airport on his arrival at Dubai in August last year.
Tomorrow, Al Nahyan will fly to Mumbai and from there, back to Abu Dhabi after a visit to the Bombay Stock Exchange. During his engagements, Al Nahyan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials and captains of the industry.
The UAE-India ties have already been elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister visit to Dubai in August. India and UAE have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations, anchored on mutually beneficial commercial exchanges and extensive people-to-people contacts.
A well-balanced bilateral trade amounted to 59 billion dollars in 2014-15, making UAE the third largest trading partner of India. UAE is among the largest investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments. It contributes significantly to India’s energy security and is the sixth largest supplier of crude oil to India in 2014-15.
About 2.6 million strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in UAE-recognised for its contribution in the development of the country. India has vital stakes in the security and stability of the Gulf region, which hosts over seven million Indians. This region is also the source of nearly two-third of India’s crude oil requirements and is India’s largest trading partner. (UNI)
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