New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to UAE has been postponed for now amid Omicron concerns. The visit was to commence on January 6, 2022.
The visit was planned to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Prime Minister was also expected to visit the Indian Pavillion in the ongoing Dubai Expo during his UAE visit. Another key focus of PM Modi's UAE visit was the signing of the India-UAE Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to further boost economic ties.
Recently, India and the UAE became part of a new four-nation grouping that will focus on issues related to trade and investment. The other two members are the US and Israel.
After becoming the PM, Modi had first visited the UAE in 2015. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, visited India in 2016. He again visited India in January 2017 as the chief guest at the Republic day celebrations.
It was during this visit that the bilateral relations were upgraded to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership".
Prime Minister Modi visited UAE again in February 2018 for the 6th World Government Summit in Dubai, where India was the guest of honour. He visited the UAE again in August 2019 to receive the UAE’s highest civilian award, 'the Order of Zayed'.
Defence and strategic ties between India and the UAE have also been on an upswing. In December last year, Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane travelled to the UAE -- the first-ever visit by an Indian Army chief to the Gulf nation. In July, then Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria visited the UAE.
(With PTI inputs)