Ahead of his seventh visit to the UAE and second to Qatar since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his visits to the nations will help deepen India's strategic ties with them. PM Modi issued a statement ahead of his two-day visit to UAE on February 13-14, followed by a two-day visit to Qatar on February 14 and 15.
He said India's cooperation with UAE in diverse sectors such as defence, investment, security, trade, food, energy security, and education has grown significantly over the last nine years. He also highlighted how Indo-UAE culture and the people-to-people connection are stronger than ever.
PM Modi said he was looking forward to meeting the President of UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nayan, in Abu Dhabi. He recalled that he hosted the UAE President in Gujarat during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. PM Modi is set to engage in wide-ranging discussions on taking the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of both countries forward.
PM Modi will be addressing the gathering of world leaders at the World Government Summit in Dubai on 14 Feb 2024 at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, PM, and Defence Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The discussions between PM Modi and UAE's PM His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid will be aimed at strengthening India's multifaceted ties with Dubai.
During his visit to UAE, PM Modi will inaugurate the BAPS Temple, the first-ever Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. BAPS Temple is a tribute to the values of peace, tolerance, and harmony shared by India and the UAE. PM Modi will also be addressing the Indian diaspora in the Emirates of the UAE at the 'Alhan Modi' event.
Regarding his Qatar visit, PM Modi said he is looking forward to meeting His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other high dignitaries.
India and Qatar have a long-standing history of close and amicable relations. In recent years, the multifaceted ties between the countries have deepened across various domains such as high-level political dialogues, expanding trade and investment collaboration, bolstering energy cooperation, and fostering cultural and educational exchanges.
PM Modi said that the presence of a strong 8,00,000 Indian community residing in Doha proves how strong the ties between the people of both countries are.