Indian PM Narendra Modi to visit the UAE this week

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his third state visit to the UAE on August 23-24, India’s ministry of External Affairs announced on Sunday.

During his visit, Modi will meet Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to discuss ways of improving bilateral ties between the two countries. They will also review the latest regional and international developments and issues of mutual concern, a statement said.

Modi will also receive the Order of Zayed, the highest civil decoration of the UAE, which was conferred on him in April in recognition of his work to develop ties between the two countries.

“Prime Minister Modi would receive the Order of Zayed, the highest civil decoration of the UAE which was conferred earlier in April 2019 in recognition… for giving a big boost to bilateral relations between the two countries,” the statement said.

“The award in the name of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, acquires special significance as it was awarded to Prime Minister Modi in the year of the birth centenary of Sheikh Zayed.”

The UAE and India enjoy strong ties with annual bilateral trade of about $60bn. The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner and fourth-largest exporter of crude oil.

Modi first visited the UAE in August 2015, and once again paid a visit as chief guest at the World Government Summit in February 2018. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed visited India in February 2016 and again in January 2017 as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations.

The Indian PM’s upcoming visit will “further strengthen friendly bilateral ties with the UAE”, the ministry statement said.

Following his UAE visit, Modi will also travel to Bahrain on August 24 and 25. The visit will be the first ever by an Indian prime minister to the Gulf state.

During the visit, Modi will hold talks with Prince Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, to discuss bilateral relations.

King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain will host a banquet dinner in honour of the PM.

Modi will also address the Indian community and launch the renovation of the Shreenathji temple in Manama. Over 3.5 million Indian nationals live in Bahrain, accounting for the largest expatriate community in the country.