On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he arrived in Abu Dhabi for his two-day visit to the Gulf nation. A video shared by a news agency captured the moment the two leaders embraced, reflecting the strong diplomatic ties between India and the UAE. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a Guard of Honour, setting the stage for a series of discussions and events to enhance the bilateral strategic partnership.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to engage in comprehensive talks with the top leaders of the UAE, further strengthening cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investment, defence, security, food, energy security, and education. This is also PM Modi’s seventh trip to the UAE since 2015, underscoring the significance of the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
A notable highlight of PM Modi’s visit is the inauguration of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, which is set to be the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi. The temple, located in Abu Mureikhah near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, occupies around 27 acres of land and has been under construction since 2019. Notably, the UAE government generously donated the temple’s land, emphasising the two countries’ goodwill and cooperation.
In a statement prior to his departure, Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, highlighting the exponential growth in cooperation between India and the UAE across various domains over the last nine years. He emphasized the robust cultural and people-to-people connections that have strengthened the bond between the two nations.
“I look forward to meeting Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, in Abu Dhabi and holding wide-ranging discussions on taking forward our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Modi stated, underlining the importance of the trip in advancing mutual interests.
The inauguration of the BAPS temple holds special significance as it symbolizes a lasting tribute to the shared values of harmony, peace, and tolerance between India and the UAE. This monumental event underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering understanding and cooperation in pursuing common goals.