Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in the United Arab Emirates on a two-day visit — his seventh to the Gulf nation. He will hold discussions with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, taking forward the ongoing strategic partnership.
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Upon his arrival, PM Modi was accorded the Guard of Honour and he was welcomed by President of UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with a hug.
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Besides bilateral talks, PM Modi will also address world leaders at the World Government Summit in Dubai on February 14 at the invitation of the UAE Vice President.
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PM Modi will inaugurate the iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir — the first Hindu temple in the UAE — and address expat Indians at a community programme in Abu Dhabi.
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The iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir is built over 27 acres — part of a 13.5-acre tract donated by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 2015.
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Before leaving, PM Modi shared a post on ‘X’, formerly Twitter, highlighting the frequency of his visits indicates “the priority we attach to strong India-UAE friendship”. “I am eager to meet my brother, HH @MohamedBinZayed,” his post read.
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Over the last nine years, India’s cooperation with the UAE has deepened in sectors like trade, defence, food and energy security and education.
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During PM Modi’s last visit to Abu Dhabi last year, several MOUs were signed, covering diverse areas including local currency settlement, payment and messaging systems, renewable energy, and innovative healthcare.
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The two nations are among each other’s top trading partners, with a bilateral trade of about $85 billion in 2022-23, official data shows.
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The UAE was also among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23.
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From UAE, PM Modi will visit Qatar, where he would stay till February 15. “I look forward to meeting HH Sheikh @TamimBinHamad , under whose leadership Qatar is witnessing immense growth,” he also posted on social media.