Breaking protocol for a special friend

New Delhi - During Shaikh Mohammed's three-day trip - his first State visit to India - the two countries will discuss ways to enhance ties.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi kept aside protocol to receive the "special friend", His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, when he arrived at Palam Technical Airport, New Delhi, on Wednesday evening.
During Shaikh Mohammed's three-day trip - his first State visit to India - the two countries will discuss ways to enhance ties in a range of areas including energy, economy and security and are expected to sign a number of agreements to boost cooperation in sectors like oil, nuclear energy, IT, aerospace, railways and electronics. "A special welcome for a special friend. PM @narendramodi personally receives His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan," tweeted the PMO with a photo of the two leaders shaking hands at the Palam Technical Airport. Modi had visited the UAE in August last year, the first by an Indian Prime Minister after a gap of 34 years, and Shaikh Mohammed had received him at the Abu Dhabi airport."This is Shaikh Mohammed's first state visit to India and am glad he is visiting with his family," Modi said in a tweet. "Shaikh Mohammed is a visionary leader. His visit will add new vigour and momentum to comprehensive strategic partnership be-tween India & UAE," Modi added. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup also tweeted: "A special honour 4 a special guest! Breaking protocol, PM receives Crown Prince Shaikh Mohammed Al Nahyan at air-port."
Official sources said Modi went to the airport to receive Shaikh Mohammed without any disturbance to the normal traffic in a compact carcade without having any ambulance. The two leaders will hold detailed deliberations tomorrow following which both sides are expected to sign a number of agreements. Ways to contain radicalism, stepping up counter-terrorism cooperation and dealing with Daesh are likely to figure prominently in the talks between the two leaders tomorrow. Soon after Shaikh Mohammed's arrival, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on him and dis-cussed issues of mutual interest. "Our honoured guest from across the Arabian Sea. EAM @ SushmaSwaraj calls on Shaikh Mohammed Al Nahyan,"Swarup
tweeted.

• India