UAE: Indian PM's visit proof of strong bilateral ties

A current visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a proof of growing cooperation between India and the Gulf state, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said on Sunday.

In a statement carried by state news agency WAM, the UAE's top diplomat said his country has placed India at the forefront of its international partnerships.

Modi's two-day visit, which he started on Sunday, marks the first of an Indian head of government to the UAE in 34 years since Indira Gandhi met with former UAE president and the Gulf state's founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan in 1981 in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Abdullah added that the UAE, a major oil supplier, and India have a robust economic relationship with a current trade balance of around 60 billion U.S. dollars.

He pointed out to a number of agreements that have been signed between the two sides over the years, including a double taxation avoidance agreement and a bilateral protection of investments agreement.

About 2.6 million Indians live in the Gulf state. Around 45,000 Indian firms operate in the UAE.