New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Hotel Leela Palace in Chanakya Puri here on Wednesday.
Setting aside the protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Crown Prince at the Air Force Station in Palam here this evening.
It was for the second time that the Prime Minister set aside the protocol. He had earlier last month received US President Barak Obama during the latter’s visit to India.
“This is Sheikh Mohammed’s 1st state visit to India & am glad he is visiting with his family. Sheikh Mohammed is a visionary leader. His visit will add new vigour & momentum to comprehensive strategic partnership between India & UAE,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Anil Wadhwa, has said that the two countries would discuss ways to further enhance bilateral trade and investment.
India and UAE have committed to raise their bilateral trade by 60 percent in the next five years. Bilateral trade amounted to 59 billion dollars in 2014-15, making UAE the third largest trading partner of India.
Wadhwa said agreements in various sectors, including defence and trade, are likely to be inked between India and the UAE after the talks between the visiting dignitary and Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House here tomorrow.
The grave issue of terrorism and the rising threat of ISIS are likely to figure during the talks between the two leaders.
The Crown Prince, who is accompanied by a high-level delegation, will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee.
New Delhi 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 the country’s largest trading partner. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.