Labeling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's impending visit to the UAE as "crucial" in fortifying bilateral relations, Abdulnasser Alshaali, the UAE's ambassador to India, expressed optimism on Monday that the visit would propel the strategic alliance to unprecedented levels.
Prime Minister Modi is set to embark on a two-day trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) commencing Tuesday, during which he is slated to engage in comprehensive discussions with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and inaugurate Abu Dhabi's inaugural Hindu temple.
This marks Prime Minister Modi's seventh visit to the UAE since 2015.
Alshaali emphasized the significance of the visit, stating, “This visit is very important. It is very significant in this (India-UAE) relationship. We are honoured and privileged to have the Prime Minister (Modi) come to the UAE to be our guest at the World Government Summit and to inaugurate the BAPS Mandir. I am sure this will further take the relationship to new heights."
Regarding the unveiling of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, Alshaali described it as "historic," adding, "It is going to be memorable because of the prime minister himself coming to inaugurate it."
Alshaali anticipated that this event would mark another significant chapter in the bilateral relationship.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir, situated in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba along the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, spans approximately 27 acres of land in Abu Dhabi, with construction work underway since 2019. The UAE government generously donated the land for the temple.
Apart from the BAPS temple, which boasts expansive stone architecture, the UAE houses three other Hindu temples in Dubai. The BAPS temple is set to be the largest of its kind in the Gulf region.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the grand temple on February 14.
Speaking on the economic cooperation between the two nations, Alshaali highlighted its exponential growth over the years and expressed confidence in its continued expansion. He remarked, "I'm sure that you will be seeing further areas of cooperation over the coming years...you will see this relationship getting stronger."
Alshaali underscored that the UAE-India relationship is not solely strategic but extends to various spheres of cooperation, including multilateral meetings and engagements.
During the visit, Modi and Al Nahyan will explore avenues to deepen and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations and exchange perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual concern. Modi will also meet with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president, prime minister, and defense minister of the UAE.
Additionally, Modi will address the Indian community in the UAE at an event held in Zayed Sports City.
Official data indicates that the two countries are among each other's top trading partners, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately USD 85 billion in 2022-23. The UAE also ranks among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments during the same period.
