Dubai Cricket Stadium spills over with Indians welcoming Modi

Dubai - Thousands of people could be seen waving Indian flags or images of Modi, with no sign of being worn down by the blazing heat.

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium rapidly filled up with jubilant Narendra Modi supporters hours ahead of his scheduled speech.
About 80 per cent of the stadium was full at 6pm, two hours ahead of PM Modi's speech.
Thousands of people could be seen waving Indian flags or images of Modi, with no sign of being worn down by the blazing heat.
Among the supporters who arrived early were Jarosh and Sharath Bhaskar, two brothers from Kerala who have been living in the UAE for the last five years.
"We are so happy to be here! We have never seen such a great Prime Minister in India," Jarosh told the Khaleej Times.
Another early arrival was Pramod Sitoke, who came to the event wearing a t-shirt depicting Modi as a superhero.
"The atmosphere is amazing. Absolutely electric," he said. "It feels like it's 50 degrees outside but that doesn't bother us."
"Modi is a superhero," he added. "He's by far the best Prime Minister we have ever had."
One of Pramod's companions, Karan Tanna, said he was expecting the prime minister to tell the crowd how they might be included in the future of India.
"He will take India to the top," he said. "I think he will tell us how he will help the Indian community here, and how he will improve relations between India and the UAE."
Desai Bharat, who has been in the UAE for 33 years said: "After 34 years someone has come to the UAE. I'm extremely happy. I'm Gujrati and so is he, so I am very excited.
"We are here to support Modi and show that the spirit of India lies in its unity," said Taher Ajmeri from the Bohra community. About 100,000 people from the Bohra community in the UAE and about 2,000 gathered in the stadium to show their support.
Vasu Ramani who has been here for 34 years said: "I was here when Indira Gandhi arrived in 1981 and I've come to see Modi as well. I think he's an incredible leader. He must continue doing whatever he is doing."
"We've been in Dubai for 15 years and this is the first time that an Indian prime minister has come," said local resident Amith Shetty. "It's good to be able to share this experience with each other. We can feel secure here now (that Modi has come)."
"We are absolutely filled with national pride," said Tilak Shetty, his brother.
"Our PM is so popular with the people. That makes us proud to be Indians!" said Madhur Shetty.
Seven year old Seerat Kaur was also at the stadium to see his favourite prime minister: "I am here to support Modi. He is our new prime minister and papa says he is doing a great job. I am excited to hear him speak today."
bernd@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai