NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the UAE for the World Government Summit (WGS) in February, a tour that will not only expand his outreach to the Arab world but also offer an opportunity to further strategic partnerships in the vast region.This will be Modi’s second visit to the UAE, The first visit in 2015 expanded contours of the partnership to include defence, counter-terror and investments as the key areas of focus. The proposed visit is currently under preparation, pointed out people familiar with the issue. India has been chosen a guest of honour for the WSG 2018, scheduled for February 11-13, in the backdrop of growing strategic partnership manifested through back to back visits by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, who was also the chief guest at the 2017 Republic Day celebrations. India and Egypt are planning to jointly manufacture defence equipment and hold military exercises, besides closely collaborating on measures to combat terror.As prime minister, Modi has also visited Saudi Arabia , Qatar, Israel, Turkey and Iran and there are requests to visit Egypt and Morocco. India has strong ties with countries of West Asia and North Africa based on its balanced and neutral approach notwithstanding regional rivalries.

Source: Economic Times December 05, 2017 15:33 UTC