New Delhi, Jan 19 (UNI) Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is coming to India on Janaury 24 on a three-day visit during which he will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. Prince Zayed, who is also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of United Arab Emirates, will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials and captains of industry. During the visit, he would call on President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari besides holding discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said here today. This is the second visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to India since February 2016. Following the landmark visit of Prime Minister Modi 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 warm, 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. ‘’Their positive and well-appreciated contribution in the development of their host country has been an important anchor of our excellent bilateral engagement,’’ Mr Swarup said. UNI NAZ SB 2108