Arab region is an important economic partner of India: Patil

New Delhi, Nov.24 (ANI): Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has described the Arab region as an important economic partner of India.

Speaking in an interview to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) before her departure for the UAE and the Syrian Arab Republic, Patil said: "Historically, India has had close contacts with the Arab region. India has a vital stake in the peace and stability of this region for a number of reasons."

She added: The Arab region is an important economic partner of India. All the major shipping lanes connecting India to the West pass through the Arab region. Over five million Indians are employed in this region. Indian companies are participating in various projects in the Arab countries and similarly Arab investments in India have also been growing.

"This is likely to accelerate in the coming years as investments in both India and the Arab world are poised for a quantum leap," she said.

Patil was speaking ahead of her nine-day maiden visit to the Gulf region. She will be in Syria from November 26 to 29. (ANI)