Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) starting Tuesday, during which he will engage in extensive discussions with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and inaugurate Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Hindu temple.
This visit marks the prime minister’s seventh trip to the UAE since 2015, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday.
Modi and Al Nahyan are slated to explore avenues to deepen and fortify the strategic partnership between their nations while also exchanging perspectives on regional and global matters of mutual concern, according to the MEA.
Additionally, the prime minister will meet with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s vice president, prime minister, and defense minister, as part of his itinerary.
Modi will attend the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai as a guest of honor, delivering a keynote address during the event, following an invitation extended by the summit organizers, the MEA noted.
Furthermore, the prime minister will officially inaugurate the BAPS Mandir, Abu Dhabi’s maiden Hindu temple, during his visit. He will also address the Indian community at a gathering hosted at Zayed Sports City.
The MEA emphasized the warm, robust, and multifaceted relations shared between India and the UAE, characterized by strong political, cultural, and economic ties.
Following Modi’s historic visit to the UAE in August 2015, bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both countries have since signed significant agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2022 and a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System in July 2023, aimed at enhancing cross-border transactions using the Indian Rupee and United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).
India and the UAE are key trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $85 billion in 2022-23, according to official figures. Additionally, the UAE ranks among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments during the same period.
The MEA also highlighted the substantial contribution of the Indian expatriate community, numbering around 3.5 million, to the UAE’s development, underscoring its pivotal role in fostering the countries’ exceptional bilateral ties.
