Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Diplomatic Visit to UAE and Qatar Highlights Bilateral Relations
Abu Dhabi/Doha, 13th February 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 13, followed by a trip to Qatar on February 14, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. This visit marks PM Modi’s seventh trip to the UAE since 2015 and underscores the growing bilateral relations between India and the Gulf countries.
During his two-day stay in the UAE, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14. Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra has underscored the significance of this inauguration, highlighting it as a pivotal moment of PM Modi’s visit. Additionally, the Prime Minister will engage with the Indian community at an event in Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, fostering stronger ties with the diaspora.
PM Modi’s itinerary in the UAE includes bilateral meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defense Minister of the UAE. Furthermore, PM Modi will participate as the Guest of Honour in the World Government Summit 2024, where he will deliver a special keynote address, further solidifying India’s role on the global stage.
Despite adverse weather conditions, PM Modi is set to address the Indian community in the UAE, albeit in a scaled-down format. The inauguration of the BAPS Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, holds significant symbolic importance, situated on 27 acres of land generously provided by the UAE leadership.
Following his visit to the UAE, PM Modi will travel to the Qatari capital, Doha, on February 14. This visit comes on the heels of Qatar’s decision to release eight former Indian naval personnel, a development personally overseen by PM Modi. In Qatar, PM Modi is scheduled to hold comprehensive discussions with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and exploring avenues for further collaboration between the two nations.
