Takeaways From Prime Minister Modi's Speech At ‘Ahlan Modi’ Event In The UAE (Photo on X Narendra Modi @narendramodi)

After arriving in Abu Dhabi for a two-day visit today (Tuesday), President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the India”s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Abu Dhabi airport. Both held discussions on a wide range of topics including strategic partnerships and bilateral agreements among others. Prime Minister Modi thanked UAE President Al Nahyan for his support in granting the land for the construction of the first Hindu stone temple in the UAE.

While speaking at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event at Abu Dhabi”s Zayed Sports City Stadium, the Prime Minister said that he had come to meet his family members in the UAE. “I have brought the fragrance of the soil where you were born and have brought the message of 140 crore people,” the prime minister said, adding, “The Bharat is proud of you”

The prime minister, recalling his earlier and first visit to the UAE noted that it was the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister in Abu Dhabi after three decades. This will also be Prime Minister Modi’s seventh trip to the UAE since assuming office in 2014. “The world of diplomacy was new to me. At that time, I was welcomed at the airport by the then Crown Prince and today”s President along with his five brothers. That warmth, the shine in their eyes – I can never forget that,” the prime minister said, noting that that hailing was not for him but for the 140 crore Indians.

Speaking about the UAE president, the Prime Minister said, “We have Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan present with us. He is a good friend and well-wisher of the Indian diaspora. His affection towards the Indian community is commendable.

On India-UAE business, the Prime Minister said that UAE is India’s third largest trading partner and hoped that the relationship would reach unprecedented heights.

He also talked about Indian students studying in the UAE, noting that more than 1.5 lakh Indian students are studying in the Gulf country. “Master”s course was started at the IIT Delhi campus here last month and a new CBSE office will be opened soon in Dubai. These institutions will be helpful in providing the best education to the Indian community here,” he added.

On the introduction of UPI, the Prime Minister said that the system would be introduced soon in the UAE.