PM Modi’s Seventh Trip to UAE Strengthens Ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his seventh visit to the United Arab Emirates, greeted upon arrival by Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The visit marks a deepening of ties between India and the UAE, where millions of Indians reside. During the visit, the leaders reviewed the progress of their nations’ partnership across various sectors, including trade, defense, and cultural exchanges, underscoring the strong relationship fostered over Modi’s tenure.

The visit also included a significant public event, with Modi addressing a large gathering of Indian expatriates at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the vibrant Indian community’s role in the UAE.

This trip occurs amidst internal challenges in India, highlighted by recent farmer protests in New Delhi over agricultural policies, showcasing potential hurdles for Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party in upcoming elections. Despite these domestic issues, Modi’s international outreach illustrates India’s strategic efforts to bolster economic and diplomatic ties, particularly in the Middle East.

India and the UAE have enjoyed a robust economic relationship, further solidified by a free trade agreement aimed at expanding bilateral trade. The collaboration extends to energy security, with India being a significant purchaser of Emirati oil, and financial arrangements to facilitate trade.

Modi’s visit reflects both countries’ intent to enhance their longstanding partnership, notwithstanding the complexities of regional politics and internal dynamics within India. The trip, which includes Modi’s participation in the World Governments Summit in Dubai and the inauguration of a new Hindu temple, further signifies the multifaceted ties between India and the UAE, as Modi continues to the next leg of his journey in Qatar.