Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in UAE

Abu Dhabi - Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit the UAE after the 1981 visit of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the capital on Sunday afternoon on a two-day visit to discuss trade, investment and energy cooperation apart from security, regional and international issues.
Modi was received by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and top government officials at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport.
After a warm reception, both leaders exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.
A spokesman of India's Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup, confirmed reporters in Abu Dhabi that both Modi and Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had brief discussions at the airport.
Swarup called Modi's reception by Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his five brothers a "rare honour".
The Indian official said the visit reflects the importance India gives to the region.
The high-profile visit by the Indian head of state is taking place after 34 years, which Prime Minister Modi in his exclusive interview with Khaleej Times has described as an "anomaly".
The Indian leader will visit the tomb of Shaikh Zayed, and also the Shaikh Zayed Mosque.
In the evening, the Prime Minister will visit a labour accommodation to interact with Indian workers to know their problems.
He will have a private dinner hosted by Shaikh Hamid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which has considerable portfolio investments in India.
On Monday, he would begin his day with a trip to Masdar, Abu Dhabi's zero carbon city.
haseeb@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE expats pin big hopes on Modi's visit

• Indian PM's visit a chance to chart new course in ties

• Modi to promote India's potential on UAE visit

• UAE-India relationship is set to enter a new era

• UAE and India should look beyond trade, oil and expats

• India