Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day official trip to the UAE and Qatar from New Delhi on Tuesday morning.
Before his departure, the Prime Minister took to the social media platform X to express his anticipation for meeting the “brother,” the President of the UAE, with whom he shares a strong bond. The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, on X, pointed out that the first leg of PM Modi’s UAE visit would involve engagements with UAE leadership and community members, along with inaugurating the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi.
We are very proud of our 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! Do join this memorable occasion. https://t.co/CmyTBalEyY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2024
During his time in the UAE, PM Modi is scheduled to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defence Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening ties in economic areas such as energy security, energy trade, ports, railways, maritime logistics, digital infrastructure, capital flows, and fintech connectivity.
This marks the seventh visit of PM Modi to the UAE since assuming office in 2015, underscoring the priority given to the robust friendship between India and the UAE. The Prime Minister is also slated to attend the World Government Summit 2024, where he will deliver a special keynote address.
PM Modi will inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi during his visit, highlighting its significance as a lasting tribute to the shared values of harmony, peace, and tolerance between India and the UAE. Addressing the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event has garnered significant attention, with over 65,000 registrations.
Following his stay in the UAE from February 13-14, PM Modi will proceed to Doha, Qatar. Notably, eight former Indian Navy personnel, previously detained in Qatar, were released ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. In Qatar, PM Modi is set to engage in bilateral meetings with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other high dignitaries. Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra provided these details during a special briefing on PM Modi’s visit to the UAE and Qatar.