Indian residents, businessmen have high expectations

Abu Dhabi - India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's NRI Cell Kerala convenor N Harikumar said there will be many big-ticket announcements that will benefit countries.

The Indian community is upbeat about the second visit of Prime Minster Narendra Modi to the UAE with many expecting new agreements that will benefit Indians to be signed.
India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's NRI Cell Kerala convenor N Harikumar said there will be many big-ticket announcements that will benefit both the countries and cement the bilateral ties further. 
"The visit is mainly happening due to the warm relationship shared between the leaders based on mutual respect and trust. I can't actually describe the level of excitement among the common man and followers. This is a rare and a proud moment for all of us here and in India. Modi keenly follows and takes up all issues which affect expats here. Modi travels to many countries and this has helped build India's and Indians' image everywhere. We can expect a lot of agreements, which will support India's development, to be signed," Harikumar said. 
Sudhammal, a housekeeper, is looking forward to Modi's visit with great expectations.
"This is great to have our prime minister here. This does help to boost image of Indians further. His visit is not just about getting investment and grabbing attention but it is a sign of changing times. Both nations have realised that they need each other. Going forward, there would be more such visits. I wish if there is some mention about poor working class in his address. I am also happy that the temple will finally be realised. This is a great thing to happen and this visit is historic on that count," she said.
The big focus of this visit apart from agreements is Modi's meeting with business leaders. 
Yusuffali MA, chairman, LuLu Group international and member of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, said the UAE has been trying to get Indian businesses to invest in the country and this was a glowing sign of growing relations. 
"India has been on an aggressive forward march with regard to attracting foreign investments. The recent report by leading rating agencies and financial institutions have lauded India's fiscal policies and ease of doing business, so obviously India does look like a hot destination for investment. As far as Indo-UAE business relationship is concerned, it is at an all time high with both the countries being each other's top trading partner. Modi's second visit in quick succession is sure to boost the historic ties between both countries. Till recently, India was seen as an investment destination only, but of late, the UAE has been trying to woo Indian businesses to invest and set up operations here. This move shows the kind of confidence the UAE has on Indian economy and I am sure business houses in both countries will be eagerly looking forward to this visit to open up new areas of co-operation." 
LuLu Group has recently announced plans to invest almost $2 billion into setting up shopping malls, hotels, convention centres and food processing units in Indian states of Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 
Adeeb Ahamed, managing director, LuLu Exchange Holdings and Twenty14 Holdings, said the visit will add another dimension to the ties and lead to rise in trade and investment.
"In addition to further strengthening mutual ties between India and the UAE, we believe that various contours across key areas of focus will be expanded through this visit. The UAE is one of India's largest trading partner, after China and the US. With greater participation across diversified sectors including IT, space technology, defence manufacturing, security, education and renewable energy visible between the two countries over the past few years, we are confident that this visit by the Indian prime minister will provide the necessary momentum to increase trade and investment on both sides. We look forward to having a truly fruitful visit by Modi and hope key decisions are taken on a number of issues that will be put forth by both countries." 
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi