Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday landed at the Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport to begin his 2-day visit in UAE. On arriving, the Indian Prime Minister received a ceremonial welcome at the airport.
“Hello UAE. I am very optimistic about this visit. I am confident the outcomes of the visit will boost India-UAE ties,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
“I deeply appreciate kind gesture of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who received me at the airport.”
Before leaving for the UAE, Modi had described the Gulf country as a “mini-India” close to his heart.
This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years to a Gulf nation.
Modi will meet Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Vice-President, and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Modi will also hold talks with the leadership of world’s second largest Arab economy on terrorism and will seek to boost the economic, cultural and social ties between India and UAE. India would also seek to enhance cooperation in energy sector during this visit.
The Prime Minister is also expected to meet and interact with the Indian diaspora.
About 2.6 million Indians live in the UAE, PM Modi said in an interview to Dubai-based newspaper Khaleej Times that it was “an anomaly” that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting the country after 34 years.
“India and UAE have everything to be a top priority for each other. This is the way I look at the UAE. The Gulf region is vital for India’s economic, energy and security interests,” said Mr Modi. “We have resolved to sustain regular high-level engagement and build a strong and comprehensive strategic partnership,” he added.