Political relations complementing trading ties with UAE: Indian official

First Secretary of the Indian Embassy in United Arab Emirates, Pavan Kumar Rai, said that the relationship in trade between India and UAE is now being complemented by political ties between the two nations.

Commenting on UAE crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to India as the Chief Guest for the 67th Republic Day celebrations, Rai told ANI, "India UAE are among the largest trade partners of each other and since last three years, we have seen that the relationship is being complimented by a political relationship."

Senior level exchanges started with Prime Minister Modi visiting Saudi Arabia in August 2015. His visit was followed by Abu Dhabi's crown prince to India in February last year, he said.

Rai further said that this visit is expected to take bilateral relations forward.

The UAE crown prince would be accompanied with high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials and captains of industry.

The two countries have been amongst each other's top trading partners with a well-balanced bilateral trade of about USD 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.