- Monday, March 10, 2025
The Indian PM also expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership over the organisation of the ‘Ahlan Modi’ show in Abu Dhabi where thousands of people gathered to hear him speak.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (13) thanked UAE president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Temple on Wednesday (14), citing it as a testament to the latter’s affection and regard for India.
The two leaders earlier convened for a bilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi, during which they exchanged memorandums of understanding.
The Indian prime minister also extended thanks to Al Nahyan for accepting the invitation to serve as the chief guest at the Vibrant Gujarat business summit last month.
Read: Ambassadors and diplomats from 42 countries visit Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Hindu Mandir
In his remarks during the bilateral meeting, Modi addressed the host leader to say, “Brother, firstly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your warm welcome…Whenever I come to UAE, I have always felt as if I have come to my own home, to meet with the members of my own family.”
It is Modi’s seventh visit to the UAE and the third in the last eight months.
Read: Modi to inaugurate BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14
Additionally, PM Modi acknowledged the significance of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, attributing its realisation to the unwavering support and affection of president Al Nahyan.
“I consider the construction of BAPS temple here as a reflection of your love for India and your vision for the bright future of UAE. This couldn’t have been possible without your support. During our first meeting, I had just put up a simple request for you to look into it and you took a prompt decision, asking me to ‘Put your finger on any piece of land, you will get it’. Perhaps, this level of love and trust showcases the unique relationship,” Modi said.
He said that the depth of the India-UAE relationship can be understood by the fact that the two leaders have met five times in the last seven months, which is very ‘rare’.
“I have also had the opportunity to come here seven times, this is our closeness and the way we have progressed in every field. There is a joint partnership between India and the UAE in every field. We are going to make many important decisions. We are introducing UPI and our Jeevan card, both of these are starting a new era of fintech, and this is also very big in itself,” the PM said.
He added, “In the same way, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for accepting my invitation and coming to my home state. You gave a new height to the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. It has also increased the prestige and reputation of that event around the world. Your visit and your address were very inspiring and motivating for the people of India. I am grateful to you for this too.”
He also praised the India-Middle East-Economic-Corridor (IMEC) as a visionary step that will have a long-term impact in terms of connectivity and economic progress.
Modi said both India and the UAE are advancing in a pivotal direction.
“The way we have got your support for IMEC, I think it will not just help in connecting the two regions, but also open new doors of economic progress. The coming generations will remember the president who gave direction to the world and performed such a crucial job,” he said.
Speaking about the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event that he attended on Tuesday evening, Modi said, “I have been told that thousands of people have gathered for the Indian diaspora event that is happening today. This could not have been possible without your love and support. I am also grateful for this.”
The prime minister will address the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi at the Zayed Sports City Stadium during the event organised by the Indian community in Abu Dhabi. It has drawn unprecedented attention, with more than 65,000 registrations received, reflecting the overwhelming response from the Indian expatriate community.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the airport, Modi was welcomed by Al Nahyan. The two leaders shook hands and hugged each other.
(ANI)
