Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to commence his two-day visit to the UAE today, during which he is anticipated to take part in the World Government Summit 2024. Additionally, he will inaugurate the Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi and engage in official meetings.
It would be the Prime Minister's seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and the third in the last eight months.
During a press briefing on February 12, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra announced that Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the UAE on February 13 and 14, after which he will proceed to Doha, Qatar. The visit to Doha follows the February 12 release of the eight Indian Navy officials who had been imprisoned in Qatar since August 30, 2022.
PM Modi's UAE agenda
During his visit to UAE, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. The two leaders will discuss ways to further deepen, expand and strengthen the strategic partnership between the countries and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, according to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office.
PM Modi will also meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister of UAE. At his invitation, the Prime Minister will participate in the World Government Summit 2024 to be held in Dubai as a Guest of Honour and deliver a special keynote address at the Summit.
One of the key highlights of PM Modi's visit would be the inauguration of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Located in the Abu Mureikhah district of Abu Dhabi, the BAPS mandir sits on 27 acres of land.
Modi will also be addressing the Indian community in the UAE at an event in Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.
India-UAE relations
India and UAE enjoy warm, close and multi-faceted relations underpinned by strong political, cultural and economic linkages, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
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"The two countries are among each other’s top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about $85 billion in 2022-23. UAE is also among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23," it added.
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