New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting UAE to inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14, marking Modi’s seventh visit to the UAE since 2015, reinforcing the strong ties between the two nations.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that the temple is situated on 27 acres of land, representing the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple, with construction commencing in 2015.
The event named Ahlan Modi will take place at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, where Modi is expected to address the Indian diaspora.
According to the Kwatra, over 150 Indian community groups are actively participating, displaying India’s regional diversity and the integration of blue-collar workers from across the emirates.
In addition to addressing the Indian community, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with UAE Prince President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president, prime minister, and defense minister of the UAE. Discussions will focus on expanding and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
India and the UAE are significant trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching USD 85 billion in 2022-23. The 3.5 million strong Indian expatriate community in the UAE plays a vital role in fostering the excellent bilateral engagement.
Concluding his UAE visit, PM Modi will head to Qatar on February 14, coinciding with the return of seven out of eight Navy veterans who faced the death penalty in Doha.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra confirmed that Modi and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, will engage in extensive talks to enhance bilateral ties.
In a parallel development, Qatar’s decision to release eight jailed former Indian Navy personnel, who faced the death penalty, is hailed as a major diplomatic victory for India.