PM Modi holds bilateral talks with UAE president
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, marking his seventh trip to the Gulf nation. During the first day of his two-day visit, PM Modi engaged in bilateral talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He also hailed the "close relationship" between the two countries. In a significant step, the heads of the two nations also introduced the Unified Payments Interface) RuPay card service in Abu Dhabi.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Over the past nine years, India's cooperation with the UAE has strengthened across various sectors, including trade, defense, food and energy security, and education. During PM Modi's visit to Abu Dhabi last year, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed. They encompassed various sectors like local currency settlement, payments and messaging systems, renewable energy, and innovative healthcare. The two nations are among each other's top trading partners, official data shows.
Statement
PM hails warm UAE welcome
During his meeting with the UAE president, PM Modi said, "I thank you for the warm welcome. Whenever I come here to meet you, I always feel I have come to meet my family." "We've met five times in the last seven months, it's very rare and reflects our close relationship," he added. Reflecting on the "warmth" evident in their interaction, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the gracious welcome extended by the host nation's team.
Twitter Post
Watch: UPI RuPay card service introduced in Abu Dhabi
#WATCH | PM Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan introduce UPI RuPay card service in Abu Dhabi. pic.twitter.com/uvIY0o1kIy
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024
PM's itinerary
Modi to address government summit, inaugurate BAPS Hindu Mandir
In addition to bilateral talks, PM Modi is slated to address world leaders at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Wednesday. He will also inaugurate the iconic Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir. The first Hindu temple in the UAE, it has been constructed on a 13.5-acre plot donated by Crown Prince Zayed Al Nahyan in 2015. Furthermore, PM Modi will speak to expat Indians at a community event in Abu Dhabi.
Twitter Post
Read: PM Modi's statement ahead of his trip
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2024
My visit to UAE will be my seventh since assuming office, indicating the priority we attach to strong India-UAE friendship. I…
Next tour
PM to visit Qatar after Indian Navy veterans' release
Following his UAE visit, PM Modi will proceed to Qatar for further discussions until Thursday. Notably, the prime minister's visit to Qatar follows the release of eight former Indian Navy personnel imprisoned for alleged espionage on Monday. PM Modi has reportedly been instrumental in the release of the Navy veterans, and his Qatar visit could symbolize India's gratitude toward the Middle Eastern country.