UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of United Arab Emirates is visiting India as the Chief Guest for the 2017-Republic Day celebrations from 24-26 January 2017.
This is the second visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to India since February 2016. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to UAE in August 2015, the two countries have agreed to elevate the mutually beneficial relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
India and UAE enjoy close and multi-faceted relations underpinned by cultural, religious and economic linkages. The two countries have been amongst each other’s top trading partners with a well-balanced bilateral trade of about US$ 50 billion in 2015-16.
UAE is among the top investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments. It contributes significantly to India’s energy security and is the fifth largest supplier of crude oil to India in 2015-16.
About 2.6 million strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in UAE and their contribution in the development of their host country has been an important factor in bilateral relations.