Honoured to inaugurate the first Hindu Mandir in UAE, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is starting his two-day trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 13, said he is honoured to inaugurate the first Hindu temple in UAE.

"I will have the honour of inaugurating the first Hindu mandir in UAE. I will also address the Indian community at a community programme in Abu Dhabi," the Prime Minister said on microblogging platform X.

Further, in his departure statement, the Prime Minister added that the the BAPS temple will be an enduring tribute to the values of harmony, peace and tolerance, which both India and the UAE share.

This is PM Modi's seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and the third in the last eight months. Talking about his trip, PM Modi said it indicates "the priority we attach to strong India-UAE friendship."

During the visit, Prime Minister will meet Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, in Abu Dhabi and hold wide-ranging discussions on taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

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.

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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

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was recently on a visit to India as the Chief Guest at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024.

"At the invitation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, PM and Defence Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, I will be addressing the gathering of world leaders at the World Government Summit in Dubai on February 14. My discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the margins of Summit will focus on strengthening our multifaceted ties with Dubai," the departure statement by PM Modi read.

After UAE, PM Modi will visit Qatar between February 14 and 15. Qatar recently released eight jailed former Indian naval personnel.

"In Qatar, I am looking forward to meeting Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir, under whose leadership Qatar continues to witness tremendous growth and transformation. I am also looking forward to meeting other high dignitaries in Qatar," PM Modi said.