New Delhi: Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in New Delhi this evening on a three-day visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him at the Air Force Station, Palam. It is the Crown Prince’s first state visit to India. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation.

Briefing media in New Delhi, Secretary East in the External Affairs Ministry, Anil Wadhwa said the two countries will discuss ways to further enhance bilateral trade and investment. India and UAE have committed to raise their bilateral trade by 60 per cent in the next five years. Bilateral trade amounted to 59 billion dollars in 2014-15, making UAE third largest trading partner of India.

Mr Wadhwa said agreements in various sectors including defence and trade are likely to be inked tomorrow between India and the UAE after the talks between the visiting dignitary and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. Issue of terrorism and rising threat of ISIS are also likely to be figured during the meeting between the two leaders.

The Crown Prince will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee. India has vital stakes in the security and stability of the Gulf region, which hosts over seven million Indians. This region is also the source of nearly two-third of India’s crude oil requirements and is India’s largest trading partner.