SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark to formally inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14. This marks Modi’s seventh visit to the UAE since 2015, reinforcing the strong ties between the two nations.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra highlighted the significance of the BAPS temple inauguration, emphasising its role as a key part of PM Modi’s visit. The temple, situated on 27 acres of land, represents the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple, with construction commencing in 2015.
The Ahlan Modi event at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, where Modi is expected to address the Indian diaspora, has garnered remarkable attention. Jitendra Vaidya, President of the Indian People Forum and leader of the Ahlan Modi initiative, stated that over 65,000 registrations were received, showcasing the widespread admiration and support for the Prime Minister.
The event, organised collectively by the Indian community in Abu Dhabi, is unique in its nature, with no single organization spearheading the initiative. Over 150 Indian community groups are actively participating, displaying India’s regional diversity and the integration of blue-collar workers from across the emirates.
In addition to addressing the Indian community, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with UAE Prince President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president, prime minister, and defense minister of the UAE. Discussions will focus on expanding and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Modi’s participation as the Guest of Honour at the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai, where he is expected to deliver a special keynote address, further emphasises the collaborative efforts between India and the UAE on a global stage.
The visit underscores the warm and multifaceted relations between India and the UAE, highlighted by the elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2015 and subsequent agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System.
India and the UAE are significant trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching USD 85 billion in 2022-23. The 3.5 million strong Indian expatriate community in the UAE plays a vital role in fostering the excellent bilateral engagement.
Concluding his UAE visit, PM Modi will head to Qatar on February 14, coinciding with the return of seven out of eight Navy veterans who faced the death penalty in Doha. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra confirmed that Modi and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, will engage in extensive talks to enhance bilateral ties.
In a parallel development, Qatar’s decision to release eight jailed former Indian Navy personnel, who faced the death penalty, is hailed as a major diplomatic victory for India. PM Modi’s proactive involvement and ongoing efforts by the Indian government, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, contributed to the successful repatriation of the seven individuals. The MEA expressed appreciation for the decision by the Emir of Qatar and reiterated India’s commitment to work for the swift return of the eighth individual.
