PM Modi leaves for UAE on two-day visit

August 16, 2015 14:05

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today left for the UAE on a two-day visit packed with a string of engagements high on substance and symbolism, including talks with the country's leadership and an address to the Indian diaspora.

During his visit, first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years, Modi will seek to enhance cooperation in energy and trade and reach out to investors to hardsell India as an attractive business destination.

Given that late Indira Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to have visited United Arab Emirates in 1981, Modi's trip is being seen as an opportunity to boost India-UAE ties in key areas of trade and security.

Modi, ahead of his visit, described UAE as a "valued partner". This fact, he said, was reflected in India being UAE's second largest trading partner, while the Arabian nation comprising seven Sheikhdoms was the third largest trading partner for the country.

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