Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in UAE for two-day visit

Image credit: Narendra Modi/X

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for an official two-day visit, marking his seventh visit to the UAE.

Ahead of his departure, Modi tweeted, “My visit to UAE will be my seventh since assuming office, indicating the priority we attach to strong India-UAE friendship.”

Over the next two days, I will be visiting UAE and Qatar to attend various programmes, which will deepen India’s bilateral relations with these nations.

My visit to UAE will be my seventh since assuming office, indicating the priority we attach to strong India-UAE friendship. I…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2024

Modi welcomed by UAE President

Upon his arrival, PM Modi was welcomed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He was then accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace. Following the reception, bilateral meetings between the leaders were scheduled.

Immensely grateful to my brother, HH @MohamedBinZayed, for taking the time to receive me at Abu Dhabi airport.

I look forward to a productive visit which will further strength the friendship between India and UAE. 🇮🇳 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/OWQivfszI2

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2024

Bilateral talks and meetings

During his stay, PM Modi is scheduled to meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss strategies aimed at deepening, expanding, and strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the UAE.

The leaders are expected to engage in discussions covering various aspects of bilateral cooperation. The UAE-India bilateral trade has grown since the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022. The trade reached $84.5bn for financial year 2022-23, according to the Economic Times.

The two countries have also come closer at multilateral forums such as BRICS and the G20.

The BRICS summit in August 2023, saw the UAE join the grouping, which was followed by the announcement of the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEEC) in New Delhi during the G20 summit in September of which the UAE is a key partner.

My remarks during meeting with HH @MohamedBinZayed in Abu Dhabi.https://t.co/lfLaOZ2LGp

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2024

Read: G20 summit: UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, US announce historic trade corridor deal

World Governments Summit 2024

On Wednesday, PM Modi is set to participate in the World Governments Summit 2024 in Dubai, where India is the ‘guest of honour’ alongside Turkey and Qatar.

He will deliver a keynote address at the summit and meet with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

Engagement with Indian Diaspora

PM Modi will also attend the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event in Abu Dhabi, where he is expected to address a gathering of more than 60,000 Indian expatriates at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Expressing his anticipation for the event, Modi shared his excitement on social media, stating, “We are very proud of our diaspora and their efforts to deepen India’s engagement with the world.”

#AhlanModi is going ahead as planned on Tues,13th of Feb at Zayed Sports City Stadium.We expect huge crowds for this historic & not to be missed event. Please don’t pay attention to any FAKE NEWS being spread of its cancellation or scale
Down!
See you in a few hours from now! pic.twitter.com/ebp5XGP7Gw

— Ahlan Modi (@AhlanModi2024) February 12, 2024

Read: Temporary ban on heavy vehicles entering Abu Dhabi amid Indian PM Modi’s visit

Inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir

Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the historic BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14, a significant moment for the city’s Hindu community. The inauguration will follow a morning prayer ceremony, during which the temple will be consecrated and blessed.

Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, speaking at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, acknowledged the crucial role played by the generosity and friendship of UAE leaders in facilitating the temple’s establishment. The Mandir, adorned with seven spires, symbolizes gratitude towards the unity of the seven emirates and pays homage to seven important deities, reflecting the harmonious relationship between India and the UAE.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir represents a socio-spiritual Hindu faith rooted in the Vedas and is a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations. Public access to the temple is scheduled to begin on March 1st, following its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.