Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has described the UAE as a "valued partner" ahead of his visit to the country on Sunday.
In an official statement cited by news agency WAM, Modi, who will be the first Indian PM to visit the Emirates in 34 years, said he seeks to enhance cooperation in both energy and trade, and will talk to investors on why India is an attractive destination in which to invest. He said: "The UAE is a valued partner and the extent of our ties indicate the vibrant relations India and UAE enjoy."
He said India is the UAE's second largest trading partner and the UAE is India's third largest trade partner while there are over 2.5 million Indians who are residents of the UAE.
Modi said: "They have contributed immensely to the progress of UAE and also given back to India at every occasion. India and the UAE are fantastically connected, be it via air or through the sea."
He added: "The economic strides taken by the UAE are extremely admirable. The UAE is a global economic success story that has attracted people from all over the world. The UAE has also emerged as an important logistics hub.
"The UAE and India's strong partnership goes back several years. Both are multicultural societies that respect and celebrate plurality and diversity."
