Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 13 to 14, 2024, marking his seventh visit to the Gulf nation since assuming office in 2014. This visit also marks his third trip to the UAE in the past eight months, underscoring the significance of bilateral relations between the two countries.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will engage in crucial bilateral meetings with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, aiming to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the UAE across various sectors. The two leaders to also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet UAE counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum . He will participate as a Guest of Honour in the prestigious World Government Summit 2024, to be held in Dubai, where he will deliver a special keynote address, highlighting India’s vision and contributions to global governance and development.
One of the significant highlights of Prime Minister Modi’s visit will be the inauguration of the BAPS Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to religious pluralism and cultural diversity. This inauguration ceremony holds symbolic importance, reflecting the growing cultural and people-to-people ties between India and the UAE.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the Indian community residing in the UAE at an event to be held at the Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. It is pertinent to note that India and the UAE ties have been witnessing a positive trajectory. Currently, India and UAE are among each other’s top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about $85 billion in 2022-23. In terms of foreign direct investments, the UAE is also among the top four investors in India in 2022-23.
Additionally, around 3.5 million Indians are currently staying in UAE making it the largest expatriate group in the nation.
