“Global Summit Address Highlights Prime Minister’s Gulf Itinerary on Grand Temple Opening Day”
On the second day of his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a busy schedule, which includes bilateral meetings and the inauguration of a significant Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. His agenda involves meeting with the Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al Maktoum, followed by the opening of Bharat Mart, a facility designed to showcase Indian exporters’ products. This initiative mirrors the concept of Dragon Mart, a prominent trading hub for Chinese goods in Dubai. Additionally, Modi will attend the World Government Summit as a distinguished guest, where he is slated to deliver a keynote address. Prior to the summit, the iconic Burj Khalifa illuminated with the message ‘Guest of Honor – Republic of India’ in recognition of Modi’s presence.
In a recent statement on X, Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed a heartfelt greeting to the Republic of India, which holds the distinguished position of guest of honor at this year’s World Governments Summit, as well as to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the robust relationship between the two countries, citing it as an exemplary model of global collaboration.
At approximately 6 pm local time, the Prime Minister will officially open the BAPS temple, marking the inauguration of the UAE’s inaugural traditional stone temple located in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikhah district. The expansive temple, situated on a 27-acre plot generously provided by the UAE government, has been constructed at a cost of around 400 million dirhams, equivalent to approximately 900 crore rupees. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering support throughout the temple’s development, acknowledging it as a testament to the strong ties between India and the UAE. Reflecting on their initial conversation, the Prime Minister recalled requesting the President’s assistance, to which he responded promptly with an offer of support, demonstrating the deep mutual respect and affection between the two nations.
After concluding the temple ceremony, the Prime Minister will embark on a journey to the capital of Qatar, Doha. This visit follows a significant diplomatic achievement by New Delhi, which successfully secured the release of eight Navy veterans who had been imprisoned in Qatar. The veterans had previously faced a death sentence in Qatar, reportedly in connection to a spying case, although neither India nor Qatar have officially disclosed the specifics of the allegations. During his stay, the Prime Minister is set to engage in bilateral discussions with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. His return is anticipated tomorrow.
During the initial day of his Gulf journey, the Prime Minister engaged in talks with the President of the UAE, resulting in the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Last evening, he participated in a large-scale diaspora gathering named Ahlan Modi, orchestrated by the Indian community in the region. Addressing the enthusiastic crowd of over 65,000, he expressed sentiments of familial connection, conveying the pride of India’s 1.4 billion people to those born in the same soil.