New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi, saying every breath, every voice in the stadium is saying India-UAE 'Dosti Zindabad' (Long live India-UAE friendship)." He was addressing the 'Ahlan Modi' event in Abu Dhabi Zayed Sports Stadium, organised by the Indian community.
Speaking at the event, Modi said, "Today in Abu Dhabi, you have created a new history. You have come here from all corners of the UAE and different states of India. But everyone's heart is connected. At this historic stadium, every heartbeat, every breath, every voice says - Long live India-UAE friendship..."
PM Modi stated that he came to Abu Dhabi to meet his family members. "I have brought the fragrance of the soil where you were born and have brought the message of 140 crore people. The message is that Bharat is proud of you," he said.
Modi thanked the UAE government for awarding him with its highest civilian award.
"I am fortunate that the UAE has awarded me with its highest civilian award - The Order of Zayed. This honour is not just mine but that of the crores of Indians, of all of you."
Speaking of the grand BAPS temple, PM Modi stated, "In 2015, when I presented to him (Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed) the proposal to build a temple in Abu Dhabi on behalf of all of you, he immediately said yes to it...now the time has come to inaugurate this grand (BAPS) temple."
PM Modi will inaugurate the temple on February 14.
Modi said India and UAE's relationship is that of talent, innovation, and culture. "In the past, we have re-energised our relations, in every direction. The two countries have walked together and have gone ahead together. Today, UAE is India's third largest trade partner. Today, UAE is the seventh largest investor. Both the countries are cooperating a lot in Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. Even today, the MoUs that were signed between us are taking forward this commitment. We are integrating our financial system. In the field of technology and innovation, India and UAE partnership is strengthening continuously. In the area of community and culture, what India-UAE have achieved is a model for the world," he added.
On Indian students studying in UAE, the prime minister said, "More than 1.5 lakh Indian students are studying in UAE schools... Master's course was started at the IIT Delhi campus here last month and a new CBSE office will be opened soon in Dubai. These institutions will be helpful in providing the best education to the Indian community here."
Speaking on India's development, Modi said, "Today, the goal of every Indian is to make India a developed country by 2047. What is that country whose economy is progressing rapidly? Our India...Which country has the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem? Our India. Which country reached Mars in its very first attempt? Our India. Which country reached the lunar south pole? Our India. Which country made the record of launching 100 satellites simultaneously? Our India. Which country developed 5G technology on its own and rolled it out the quickest? Our India."
He said that the world is looking at India as a 'Vishwa Bandhu'. "Today the world is looking at India as a 'Vishwa Bandhu'. Today India's voice is heard on every major platform of the world. Wherever there is a crisis, the name of India comes among the first countries to reach there. Today's strong India stands with its people at every step," Modi said.
PM Modi is in the UAE on a two-day official visit beginning today, where he will inaugurate a grand BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14. This is Modi's seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and the third in the last eight months.