Modi's second UAE visit will see dawn of golden era: Indian envoy

Top Stories

Modis second UAE visit will see dawn of golden era: Indian envoy

Abu Dhabi - Navdeep Singh Suri was addressing the top UAE leadership who attended the special Republic day reception hosted by the embassy

By Anjana Sankar

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Sat 27 Jan 2018, 11:34 AM

Last updated: Sat 27 Jan 2018, 4:48 PM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second visit to the UAE slated in February, will see the dawn of a golden era in UAE-India relations, Indian ambassador to the UAE has said.
Navdeep Singh Suri was addressing the top UAE leadership who attended the special Republic day reception hosted by the embassy in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was the chief guest.
Other ministers who attend the high-profile event included Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan al Qasimi along with dignitaries, diplomats and community members.
"In a couple of weeks, we will be receiving Prime Minister Modi in Abu Dhabi on his second visit to the UAE. "That will make UAE among the rarest countries he has visited twice," said the ambassador.
"With the dynamism of our relationship and also the special connection between our countries, I am naturally confident that with this visit, we will see the dawn of a truly golden era."
Thanking the leaders for their presence, Suri said, "it truly, truly, means a lot."
Modi is slated to be in the UAE on a two-day visit between February 10 and 11. He will be in Abu Dhabi on 10 and will address a gathering at Dubai Opera on 11. Modi will also speak at the World Government Summit to be held in Dubai from February 11 to 13.
 
The Indian envoy also highlighted the 'extraordinary gesture 'of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who took to twitter to praise the hard work and dedication of Indian expat Mohiuddin - a humble office boy from Kerala who worked at the Crown Prince Court for 40 years.
"That little exhibit told me two important things. First, the grace, humility and the sheer class of the leadership of this country. Second, the respect earned by the Indian community, from the office boy to the construction worker, all the way to the top professionals and business leaders. With a community forming such a strong bridge between our nations, the job of the Indian ambassador becomes much simpler."
He said the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE has seen several genuine results in bilateral trade, defence cooperation and investment.
 
Pride and patriotism
Later addressing the community members on Friday at the embassy premises, Suri said it was a matter of pride that the Foreign Minister of the UAE had attended the reception he hosted. "For us, it shows India's status is growing."
"We were honoured by his presence. It was an exceptionally gracious gesture that also reflects the very special relationship between India and the UAE," Suri told Khaleej Times.
Colourful events marked the Republic Day celebrations at the embassy on Friday. The ambassador unfurled the tri-colour flag and read out Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's presidential address to the nation calling for women empowerment, respect for fellow human beings, innovation and environmental sustainability.
School children sang patriotic songs and waved miniature Indian flags as community members wished each other a 'Happy Republic Day.'
Pride and patriotism touched a high note as Indian residents shared their excitement at watching India-UAE relations blooming at different levels.
"The bond between India and the UAE has grown many fold since Modi came to power. Indians feel proud of this new status they enjoy," said B.R. Shetty, Indian business man and Founder of the NMC Group of companies.
"I am living in the UAE since last 20 years. I have never felt so proud to be an Indian expat in the UAE. Prime Minister Modi's second visit to the UAE is indeed proof that his government values the contribution of Gulf NRIs," said Sandesh Ubhae, an engineer from Maharashtra.


More news from