Modi storms the desert: Indian Prime Minister’s power move in UAE unveiled

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, initiated the final stage of his two-nation tour with a meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Crown Prince warmly received PM Modi upon his arrival at the Abu Dhabi airport.

Following a ceremonious welcome, PM Modi expressed his gratitude towards the Crown Prince and the Gulf nation for their warm reception. During his stay, PM Modi plans to discuss important bilateral issues with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This visit comes on the heels of his two-day trip to France, which PM Modi regarded as a memorable experience.

In France, PM Modi was a part of the Bastille Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. He was invited by French President Emmanuel Macron. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, a 241-member Indian armed forces contingent also took part in the Parade, as per the statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to UAE marks strengthening of bilateral relations. Photo courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office/Wikimedia Commons.

The UAE affirmed the significance of its economic relationship with India ahead of PM Modi’s arrival. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, predicted that the UAE-India non-oil trade would reach USD 100 billion annually by 2030.

Al Zeyoudi further noted the success of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a key agreement signed between India and UAE on February 18, 2022, and enforced on May 1, 2022. The agreement was designed to facilitate a new era of growth and opportunities, including the removal or reduction of tariffs on a substantial proportion of goods, the elimination of unnecessary trade barriers, creation of new investment platforms, and the opening of government procurement to each other’s private sectors.