New Delhi: Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, the UAE Ambassador to India, commended the pivotal role played by the Indian diaspora in the UAE's remarkable journey of economic growth and said that it has developed at a faster pace due to the special bond between PM Modi and UAE President Al Nahyan. He also hailed PM Modi's historic visit to the UAE in 2015, which was the first by an Indian PM in 34 years, as a "turning point" in bilateral relations.
Speaking to news agency ANI, the UAE envoy remarked, "The first visit was the turning point in the relationship. The relationship has been there for quite some time, the diaspora has been here for quite some time and things were happening, but they were not happening at the pace that you see today. Thanks to the special bond and the special friendship between the two leaders. I was there in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and they were discussing all kinds of things."
Alshaali emphasised that the relationship between India and the UAE had been longstanding. He also highlighted the evolving nature of the Indian diaspora in the UAE, noting a significant shift in demographics and professional backgrounds. He pointed out that individuals from a wider array of Indian states are now contributing to the UAE's vision.
"The diaspora has always been important in the UAE's journey in terms of economic growth, in terms of every single stage of development that UAE has gone through and will continue to go through in the future. Perhaps the diaspora is changing in terms of where are they coming from," ANI quoted the ambassador as saying.
PM Modi To Inaugurate BAPS Hindu Temple
Notably, PM Modi will visit to UAE on February 13-14, during which he will inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Temple. He will also address the Indian diaspora at the 'Ahlan Modi' event. This will be his seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and the third in the last eight months.
The meetings between PM Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan are expected to further strengthen their strategic alliance and explore avenues for collaboration across various sectors.
PM Modi will also participate in the World Government Summit 2024 to be held in Dubai as a Guest of Honour and deliver a special keynote address.