Our Correspondent /
India and United Arab Emirates, UAE, today signed four key agreements in the sphere of cyber security, infrastructure, renewable energy and finance. The pacts were inked after talks between visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi today.
Earlier, the Crown Prince called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan. During the meeting, Mr Mukherjee said, India looks forward to working together with UAE to achieve the target of 75 billion dollars investment by the gulf country in its infrastructure sector. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in August last year, the two countries had set a target of investing 75 billion dollars in India’s infrastructure including through India-UAE Infrastructure Investment Fund.
Mr Mukherjee said, India attaches high priority to enhancing bilateral investment ties with the UAE and bilateral trade ties are growing satisfactorily but UAE’s investment in FDI in India is far below the potential. The President expressed satisfaction over the decision of the two countries to elevate their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership level.
During the meeting, the Crown Prince warmly reciprocated the President’s views and expressed his desire to create a strong bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Mr. Mukherjee also hosted a private lunch in honour of the Crown Prince which was attended by Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other dignitaries from India and UAE as well as business leaders.
Earlier in the day, the Crown Prince who is also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General was given ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The Crown Prince who arrived New Delhi last evening is on a three day visit to India. He will leave for Mumbai tomorrow where he will visit Bombay Stock Exchange. Some agreements are also expected to be signed there. In the evening, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan will leave for Abu Dhabi.