Prime Minister Narendra Modi is gearing up for a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 13-14, 2024. This marks his seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and the third in just the past eight months, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. During his two-day trip, PM Modi’s agenda includes inaugurating the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14. This event holds significant importance and is described by Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra as a key highlight of PM Modi’s UAE visit.
Apart from the temple inauguration, PM Modi plans to address the Indian community in the UAE at an event in Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. This gathering is expected to witness a massive turnout, with over 65,000 registrations received initially. However, due to adverse weather conditions, the event had to be scaled down, and now around 35,000 to 40,000 attendees, including cultural performers, are anticipated.
During his visit, PM Modi will engage in bilateral meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions will focus on enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries and exchanging perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Additionally, PM Modi is scheduled to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president, prime minister, and defense minister of the UAE.
PM Modi’s itinerary also includes participation in the World Government Summit 2024, where he will serve as the Guest of Honour and deliver a special keynote address. Furthermore, he will visit Doha, Qatar, on February 14 after concluding his UAE trip. This visit comes following Qatar’s decision to release eight former Indian naval personnel who were jailed in the country. PM Modi’s discussions with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, will focus on broadening bilateral ties between India and Qatar.
The inauguration of the BAPS Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, is a significant event scheduled for February 14. The temple, situated on 27 acres of land gifted by the UAE leadership, marks a milestone as the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, generously donated 13.5 acres of land in 2015 for the temple’s construction.
The release of the former Indian naval personnel from Qatar came after their death sentences, issued in October, were commuted to jail terms. PM Modi played a pivotal role in overseeing developments in this case, and the Indian government expressed gratitude for Qatar’s decision to release the individual
PM Modi’s upcoming visits to the UAE and Qatar underscore India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the Gulf nations. The events planned during his trip reflect significant milestones in India’s diplomatic relations and cultural engagements with these countries.