Abu Dhabi First Hindu Temple to be Inaugurated by PM Modi
It is significant that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 13 and 14, as he will be inaugurating the BAPS Mandir, which will be the Abu dhabi first Hindu temple to open in history. In addition, the fact that PM Modi will be meeting with influential leaders from one of India’s most important strategic partners in the West Asian region highlights the significance of bilateral relations.
Modi’s upcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 13–14 will be his seventh since 2015, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two nations’ presidents. The fact that this will be his third visit in a mere eight months is noteworthy and highlights how strong and active the two-way relationship is.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to have bilateral talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the ministry of external affairs. These discussions will center on strengthening and expanding the strategic alliance between the two countries. During their encounter, the two leaders will also discuss a range of regional and global issues that are of shared concern.
The UAE’s Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defense Minister, is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Modi. Modi will attend the World Government Summit 2024, which is slated to take place in Dubai, at his request. He will give a keynote talk as a distinguished guest of honor, highlighting the importance of India’s involvement in this international event.
The statement highlighted the warm and intimate relationship that exists between India and the United Arab Emirates, which is deep-rooted and complex. It emphasized the strong economic, cultural, and political linkages that form the basis of this two-way relationship. Notably, after Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE in August 2015, both nations upgraded their relationship to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a key turning point in bilateral relations.
A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed in February 2022 by India and the United Arab Emirates with the intention of strengthening their economic relations. They then strengthened their cooperation even more in July 2023 when they established a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System. This program was created to promote the use of the UAE dirham and the Indian rupee, enabling smooth cross-border transactions.
The largest expatriate community in the emirates is made up of about 3.5 million Indians who live in the UAE. The statement underscored the noteworthy contribution made by these individuals towards the advancement and prosperity of their new country. It further emphasized how their priceless efforts form the basis of the exceptional bilateral ties that exist between the UAE and India.
