Indian prime minister to visit UAE next week

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Arab Emirates Sunday and Monday, marking the first time that India's ruler has visited the country since Indira Gandhi did so 34 years ago.

Modi has appointments in Abu Dhabi, where topics regarding energy, trade and security partnerships between the two countries will be discussed. An organizing committee has been formed for the much-anticipated reception that will be hosted by the members of the Indian Community Welfare Community. 

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit is of great significance for the bilateral relations and social ties that exist between the UAE and India," organizing committee member Shamsheer Vayalil said. "We are making all the possible efforts to ensure that the entire Indian community can become a part of this historic visit."

The Indian expatriate community is the largest ethnic community in the UAE, constituting almost 30 percent of the country's population. With the presence of such a large diaspora, Modi’s visit is expected to focus on strengthening trade and investment between the two countries. Currently, 2.6 million Indians live in the UAE and 40,000 of them are expected to attend the event.