Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in the UAE on Tuesday, ahead of the scheduled inauguration of Abu Dhabi's inaugural Hindu temple. Upon his arrival, he conveyed a sentiment of familiarity, expressing that being in the UAE evoked a sense of being "at home."
Upon disembarking, Modi was warmly received by the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and was honored with a Guard of Honour.
In addition to the ceremonial reception, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This gathering preceded the 'Ahlan Modi' cultural event, projected to draw a crowd of between 35,000 to 40,000 attendees.
Anticipation is rife for this much-anticipated event, which is touted as one of Prime Minister Modi's largest diaspora gatherings to date, set to unfold at the expansive Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
During his stay in the UAE, the Prime Minister is poised to inaugurate the BAPS Mandir, a significant milestone as it marks the debut of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
Reflecting on the significance of the BAPS temple, Prime Minister Modi remarked, "The BAPS temple will stand as a testament to the enduring values of harmony, peace, and tolerance, deeply cherished by both India and the UAE."
This trip to the UAE marks the seventh visit by the Prime Minister since he assumed office in 2014, and notably, his second visit to Qatar.
In a pre-departure statement, Modi articulated his eagerness to further bolster India's comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE. "Over the past nine years, our collaboration with the UAE across various sectors including trade and investment, defense and security, food and energy security, and education has witnessed remarkable growth. Our cultural and people-to-people ties have never been stronger," he asserted.
