Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, received at his palace in Zabeel this afternoon, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the accompanying delegation.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the Prime Minister of India in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. He stressed the great depth of friendship and historic cooperation between both countries and their peoples throughout the ages.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Modi discussed ways to strengthen strategic cooperation to ensure the interests of both countries and peoples at various levels.

The Indian Prime Minister expressed confidence in the UAE leadership and people, describing the country as a friendly one, which hosts the largest Indian community on its territory. He added that the Indian community enjoys all the care and respect and its rights and freedom of belief are safeguarded. Modi referred to the policy of tolerance and equality being pursued by the UAE leadership and institutions towards all nationalities living in the Arab Muslim society characterised with harmony, affection and equality in rights and duties.

He underlined that the Indian government and people look forward to attracting the UAE investments to India, especially in the area of sea and air transport, IT and space sciences sectors, citing the global level of growth of these vital sectors in the UAE. Modi called for strengthening cooperation and exchange of expertise between the UAE and India in these areas in the light of common interests.

At the end of the talks, the Prime Minister of India invited the UAE Vice President to visit India. Sheikh Mohammed accepted the invitation for the visit, which would be scheduled later.