This refers to the editorial, “New India-UAE warmth” (January 25). The three-day visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day event, marks an extraordinary movement of relations between the India and the Arab Gulf countries, and in particular the United Arab Emirates. Another highlight that enhances the India-UAE friendship is the participation of a UAE contingent at the Republic Day parade. Niow, security is a major area of cooperation between India and the UAE, as even the Gulf countries are taking seriously the danger posed by the Islamic States.
India's historical relations with the Gulf region, especially with the UAE, date back to 5,000 years. They were cemented when maritime trade started in small Arab dhows across the Arabian waters. The UAE is home to 2.6 million Indians who remit $12 billion dollars back home. The UAE is India's third largest trading partner and the sixth largest source of oil imports.