Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated address at the World Government Summit, Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa glowed with the words ‘Guest of Honor – Republic of India,’ symbolizing the significance of India’s presence at the global event. Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum warmly welcomed PM Modi, highlighting the exemplary relationship between the UAE and India as a beacon of international cooperation.
Guest of honour, PM Modi to deliver Keynote
Invited by UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, PM Modi will participate in the 2024 World Government Summit in Dubai as a Guest of Honour, where he will deliver a special keynote address. Expressing his sentiments, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the Summit’s evolution into a premier platform for sharing governance best practices and success stories.
“We extend a warm welcome to the Republic of India, the guest of honor at this year’s World Governments Summit, and to His Excellency Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India,” stated Sheikh Hamdan. He further elaborated on the significance of India’s participation, citing the country’s innovative initiatives across various sectors as models for accelerating development and government service delivery.
Modi’s two-day visit
During his two-day official visit to the UAE, PM Modi is scheduled to meet UAE Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and inaugurate the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Earlier bilateral discussions between PM Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan led to the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), further strengthening ties between the two nations.
In a meeting with the UAE President, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in bilateral relations. He underscored the collaborative efforts between India and the UAE across various fields, reflecting a robust partnership.
Additionally, PM Modi engaged with students from the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Campus, emphasizing the importance of educational exchanges in fostering closer ties between the two countries. Addressing the Indian diaspora at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event, he reaffirmed the strong bonds shared between India and the UAE.
Strengthening bilateral relations
This visit marks PM Modi’s seventh trip to the UAE since 2015 and underscores the depth of bilateral relations, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following his landmark visit in 2015. Bilateral trade, valued at approximately USD 85 billion in 2022-23, and mutual investments further enhance the relationship between the two nations.
With about 3.5 million Indians contributing significantly to the UAE’s development, the Indian expatriate community plays a crucial role in fostering bilateral engagement and strengthening cultural ties between India and the UAE.
According to an MEA press release, India and the UAE are among each other’s top trading partners, with a bilateral trade of about USD 85 billion in 2022-23. The UAE is also among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23.
In the press release, MEA stated, “About 3.5 million strong and vibrant Indian community form the largest expatriate group in UAE. Their positive and well-appreciated contribution in the development of their host country has been an important anchor of our excellent bilateral engagement with the UAE.”
