PM Modi accorded guard of honour on arrival in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, May 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi on Friday as he began the first leg of his five-nation tour.
PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on key areas of cooperation including trade, investment, energy security, and people-to-people ties.
Earlier, UAE F16 jets escorted PM Modi's plane as it entered UAE's airspace.
"The visit will serve to promote the significant trade and investment linkages between the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
Energy security will be one of the key focus areas during PM Modi's visit, and two important Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of LPG and strategic petroleum reserves are likely to be concluded during it, according to official sources.
According to MEA, the UAE is India's third-largest trade partner and its seventh-largest source of investment cumulatively over the past 25 years. With the UAE hosting a strong Indian community of over 4.5 million, the visit will also be an opportunity to discuss their welfare.
While addressing a special media briefing on PM Modi's visit on Wednesday, Secretary (West), MEA, stated, "During the visit, both the leaders will discuss avenues to further deepen our bilateral ties in areas including trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and of course, people-to-people connect...discussions will be held on strengthening our bilateral cooperation. Discussions will also focus on strengthening our energy security. I repeat, energy security, which is an important aspect of our relationship."
Earlier in January, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid an official visit to India. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also visited India in February this year to participate in the AI Impact Summit.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see our PM getting this respect abroad. But I hope the welfare of those 4.5 million Indian workers in UAE is given top priority - they need better wages and living conditions.
As an outsider, it's impressive to see India's growing influence in the Gulf. The UAE clearly sees India as a key partner - those F16 escorts don't come cheap! 😄
Energy security is the key here. With these MoUs on LPG and strategic reserves, India is securing its economic future. Also glad to see people-to-people ties being emphasized - our diaspora matters.
Hope these talks go beyond photo ops. Real outcomes on trade and investment would benefit both countries. UAE is a major player and India needs strong allies in the region.
UAE has always been a friend of India - from supporting us during crises to hosting millions of our people. The guard of honour is a small gesture of this deep bond. Jai Hind! 🚀
Five-nation tour is ambitious but exhausting. Hope PM rests well. Focus on energy security is good, but also need to discuss climate change and green energy options. Balance is key
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