New Delhi: Aiming to deepen ties, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will embark on a three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates on Monday during which she will hold talks on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues with top leaders of the Gulf nation which is a major crude oil supplier to India.
During the visit, both sides are likely to explore ways to enhance engagement in key areas of trade, investment and energy security.
India has a close and comprehensive partnership with UAE and bilateral trade was recorded at USD 59 billion in 2013-14. UAE was India's largest trading partner in 2012-13. It is the eleventh largest investor in India in terms of foreign direct investments.
The Gulf nation contributes significantly to India's energy security and is the sixth largest supplier of crude oil to India.
Swaraj is visiting the country at the invitation of her UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
About 2.6 million strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in the UAE. Their positive and well-appreciated contribution in the development of their host country has been an important anchor of bilateral engagement.
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 its largest trading partner.
