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Modi’s Grand Welcome
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi is adorned with a warm welcome and a special display at the one and only Burj Khalifa. He received a warm welcome from Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Prior to being present at the World Summit, Modi was welcomed by the gracious words- “ Guest Of Honour The Republic of India”.
During his two-day visit to the Arab nation, Prime Minister Modi embarked on a significant trip to inaugurate Abu Dhabi’s first major BAPS Hindu temple. Upon his arrival on Tuesday, he was graciously welcomed by United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The ceremonial Guard of Honour underscored the diplomatic importance and warm reception accorded to the Prime Minister. This excursion not only symbolized cultural ties but also highlighted the burgeoning diplomatic relations between India and the UAE.
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where they exchanged several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, PM Modi emphasized the rarity of their frequent meetings, having met five times in the last seven months. He lauded the significant progress across various sectors, attributing it to the robust partnership between India and the UAE. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.
Ahlan Modi
Addressing the Indian diaspora at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event held at the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Prime Minister emphasized the deepening partnership between India and the UAE. He praised both countries as “partners in progress,” lauding their strategic collaboration as a global exemplar. PM Modi remarked that the ties between India and the UAE serve as a model for the world, marking a transformative era in the 21st century. He also had an interaction with the inaugural batch of students from the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Campus, praising the initiative for fostering collaboration between the youth of both nations.
Upon his arrival at the airport, PM Modi was warmly greeted by UAE President Al Nahyan, where they exchanged handshakes and hugs. This visit marked PM Modi’s seventh trip to the UAE since 2015 and the third in the last eight months.
Strengthening Bonds
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the depth of bilateral relations between India and the UAE, characterizing them as warm, close, and multi-faceted, underpinned by strong political, cultural, and economic ties. Following PM’s landmark visit to the UAE in August 2015, the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Notable agreements include the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in February 2022 and the establishment of a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System in July 2023, aimed at promoting the use of the Indian Rupee and Emirati Dirham for cross-border transactions.
These developments underscore the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation across various sectors, reflecting a shared vision for mutual growth and prosperity. The frequent high-level engagements between India and the UAE signify the enduring strength and dynamism of their bilateral relationship.
During his visit, both India and the UAE inked agreements regarding the integration of digital payment platforms—UPI from India and AANI from the UAE. This pact aims to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions, enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. The accord builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding signed in July the previous year, during PM’s prior visit to Abu Dhabi, which focused on linking payment and messaging systems. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the significance of these agreements in bolstering bilateral relations.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi showcased the robust relationship between India and the UAE. From the grand welcome at the Burj Khalifa to inaugurating Abu Dhabi’s first major BAPS Hindu temple, the trip symbolized the growing cultural and diplomatic bonds. Bilateral meetings with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan resulted in the exchange of key agreements, including the integration of digital payment platforms. Modi’s interactions with the Indian diaspora and UAE leadership emphasized their shared commitment to progress. These engagements underscored the enduring strength and dynamism of the bilateral relationship, promising deeper cooperation in the future.
