It is but natural for a serving Indian premier to visit the UAE and, notably, Dubai given the links between the two countries in terms of its people and businesses. All the more astonishing that the visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks the first of its kind in 34 years, since the visit by Indira Gandhi in 1981.

There is plenty of evidence pointing to the strong ties between India and the UAE. The Indian community in the UAE stands at 2.6 million, second to none among other expatriate groups residing — and working — in the country. Clearly, the figure attests to the UAE’s openness to share its economic prosperity with others.

It is suggested that of the $70 billion of remittances to India, some $13 billion is remitted from the UAE alone. (At $64 billion, China is the second largest recipient of remittances after India.) Understandably, the trade balance slightly favours the Indian side, with its exports valued at about $33 billion out of two-way trade of $60 billion in 2013-14. Bear in mind the level was considerably higher not long ago, standing at $75 billion during 2012-13.

The drop reflected moves by India to curb gold imports. It remains to be seen if this issue would be addressed by the concerned officials during the visit.

However, the UAE is a net receiver of Indian investments. By one account, Indian foreign direct investments in the UAE amount to a staggering $55 billion. The UAE serves as a hub for numerous ventures set up by Indian entrepreneurs, in turn designed to cater to the rest of the Gulf countries and beyond.

The UAE is capable of enticing undertakings in numerous fields due to its business-friendly laws. Hence, one potential outcome of Modi’s visit could see a rise of UAE investments in India, notably in infrastructure projects. Undoubtedly, the UAE is well-positioned to invest large amounts in the Indian economy, in turn ranked among the Top 10 GDPs in the world.

India is one of five BRICS countries, with others being Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. India is also member of the G20 bloc, in turn constituting the world’s largest economies.

The air link between India and the UAE serves as testimony of business potentials between the two sides. The number of flights between numerous Indian cities and the UAE stands at a stunning 700 flights per week. Notably, Emirates is the biggest foreign airline operating in India, operating five and four daily flights to Mumbai and New Delhi, respectively.

The link was further boosted in late 2013 when regulatory authorities in India approved a minority stake or 24 per cent for Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways in Jet Airways. The equity translated into Etihad pouring some $379 million into the Indian operator.

Earlier this month, I made my second trip to India this year, and experienced the benefits of this strategic relationship. I flew to Mumbai on Jet Airways operated by Etihad. On the way back, I flew from Chennai to Abu Dhabi on Jet Airways on a code-share flight with Etihad.

The business community and GCC nationals hope to see some concrete outcomes from the high-level visit to the UAE. One such area is easing visa processes, possibly offering e-visa, multiple entries, valid for relatively long periods of time.

Undoubtedly, Prime Minister Modi is making history through this visit.

The writer is a Member of Parliament in Bahrain.