Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday for a two-day visit, marking his seventh visit to the country since 2015.
The visit aims to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership between India and the Gulf nation and includes the inauguration of the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi was accorded a guard of honor, and a heartwarming video shared by news agency PTI showed the two leaders, PM Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sharing a warm embrace.
The centerpiece of PM Modi’s visit is the inauguration of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi.
The BAPS temple, situated in Abu Mureikhah near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway. It sprawls over approximately 27 acres of land, generously donated by the UAE government.
The construction of this architectural marvel commenced in 2019, and upon completion, it will stand as the largest Hindu temple in the Gulf region. The temple is a testament to the enduring values of harmony, peace, and tolerance shared between India and the UAE.
Expressing enthusiasm about the visit, PM Modi highlighted the robust cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including trade, investment, defense, security, food, energy security, and education.
“Over the last nine years, our cooperation with UAE in diverse sectors has grown manifold. Our cultural and people-to-people connect is stronger than ever,” PM Modi stated.
The visit will also include wide-ranging talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, with a focus on boosting cooperation in areas such as energy, ports, fintech, digital infrastructure, railways, and investment flows.
The leaders are expected to sign several agreements to enhance collaboration in key sectors.
Addressing the Indian community at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event at Zayed Sports City Stadium, PM Modi expressed pride in the Indian diaspora and their efforts to deepen India’s engagement with the world.
“This evening, I look forward to being among UAE’s Indian diaspora at the #AhlanModi programme!” he shared on social media.
PM Modi is also scheduled to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defense Minister of the UAE.
Further, he will address world leaders at the World Government Summit in Dubai on February 14, focusing on strengthening ties with Dubai.
The UAE and India maintain robust economic ties, with a bilateral trade of about USD 85 billion in 2022-23. The UAE stands among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments.
Following the UAE visit, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Doha on Wednesday afternoon, continuing his diplomatic engagements in the Gulf region.