ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed begins a landmark, three-day state visit to India on Tuesday.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces will celebrate the centuries-old links between the two countries as special guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations.
And a UAE Armed Forces contingent will march with Indian troops for the military extravaganza at the main celebration.
Sheikh Mohammed will be accompanied by a delegation including ministers, senior officials and prominent businessmen.
The Crown Prince and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi will discuss the friendly ties between their countries, matters of regional importance and opportunities for further cooperation, particularly in trade and economic relations, and foreign direct investment.
India and the UAE are expected to sign 10 agreements during Sheikh Mohammed’s visit.
They include a partnership agreement to set the tone for future talks and agreements, Indian officials say.
Other points of cooperation to be discussed are expected to include defence, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism efforts and closing down illegal remittance channels for security.
Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, last week met M J Akbar, the Indian minister of state for external affairs, to pave the way for Sheikh Mohammed’s visit.
Also last week, the Indian cabinet approved an agreement for bilateral cooperation in motorways and road transport.
Sheikh Mohammed visited India in February last year, after Mr Modi came to Abu Dhabi months earlier.
Yusuffali M A, chairman of the LuLu Group and a member of the delegation to Delhi, said UAE officials and businessmen would learn of rich investment opportunities India has to offer.
“Initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, coupled with easing of foreign direct investment norms, have made India a very lucrative market for investors the world over,” Mr Yusuffali said.
The UAE is home to an estimated 2.6 million Indian expatriates.
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