Bilateral defence interaction between India and UAE has been steadily growing in recent times in consonance with other aspects of the bilateral relationship and the two countries are in the process of re-defining their defence and maritime ties. <br/><br/>This was stated by the Indian Ambassador to UAE Mr Navdeep Suri on Wednesday during the on board reception at INS Sunayana, which is docked at the Abu Dhabi port in UAE to participate in the ongoing five day International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and NAVDEX (naval defence and maritime security exhibition) 2017.<br/>'<br/>Mr Suri said that this can be seen in a number of high level visits to UAE by the Indian dignitaries which are to give impetus to defence cooperation between the two countries. Close on the heels of the visit of MoS Defence Subhash Bhamre to UAE, he said that the Chief of the Naval Staff is scheduled to visit UAE later this week. <br/><br/>India also showcased an impressive presentation of India's defence capabilities at the ongoing International Defence Exhibition at Abu Dhabi. A number of international dignitaries attended the reception on board INS Sunayana. A cultural programme was also organized by the officers and sailors of INS Sunayana.<br/><br/>Indigenously built INS Sunayna is the second of the NOPV (Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel) class of ship commissioned at Kochi on 15th October, 2013. The warship is designed to undertake fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and monitoring of Sea Lines of Communications and offshore assets, and escort duties.<br/>'<br/><br/>