Modi’s UAE trip built on strong pillars of bilateral relations and economic collaboration

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an official trip to the UAE from February 13 to 14 and to Qatar from February 14 to 15. Releasing a statement ahead of his departure, he noted the close, friendly and strong ties his country shares with the Gulf states.

“Over the last nine years, our cooperation with UAE in diverse sectors such as trade and investment, defence and security, food and energy security and education has grown manifold. Our cultural and people-to-people connect is stronger than ever,” the statement read.

The deepening UAE-India ties have touched new highs in the past one year. The Prime Minister’s official trip is built on strong pillars of bilateral relations and economic collaboration. It follows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s January trip to India.

UAE and India among each other’s top trading partners

His Highness graced the tenth Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit edition in January as the chief guest, acknowledging the event as a significant platform for economic growth and investment expertise exchange. He emphasised collaboration for prosperity, as per WION.

As many as five high-profile visits by top leaders have taken place between India and the UAE since July 2023. PM Modi’s last year trip to Abu Dhabi marked the inking of several MoUs, covering areas such as payment and messaging systems, renewables and healthcare.

The two countries are among each other’s top trading partners, with a bilateral trade of nearly $85 billion in 2022-23, according to official information. The Emirates is also among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23.

WGS24: India, Turkey, Qatar chosen as guests of honour

PM Modi, his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are taking part in Dubai’s ongoing World Government Summit as guests of honour, reflecting the countries’ deep-rooted ties with the UAE.

On other entries to his agenda, the Indian Prime Minister is expected to address thousands of Indians in the Gulf state at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event despite inclement weather. In addition, he is set to inaugurate the first Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14.

Read More: UAE’s BAPS Hindu Mandir: Learn about cost, architecture and significance

“In Qatar, I am looking forward to meeting [the Emir], under whose leadership Qatar continues to witness tremendous growth and transformation,” the statement added. The Qatar trip follows the GCC nation’s recent decision to release imprisoned former Indian Navy personnel.