PM Modi UAE Visit Highlights: PM Modi holds bilateral talks in Doha

? People of every religion have contributed to the construction of the temple 

? "We are all brothers," said PM Modi while praising UAE president

?UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced a land for the construction of a hospital for Indians in Dubai 

? PM Narendra Modi praises UAE government and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed

? The friendship between UAE and India has reached new heights today

? This temple will be a symbol of communal harmony and unity in the world

? No praise would be sufficient to laud the role of the UAE government in the construction of this temple

? The inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has fulfilled the longstanding dream

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dabhi said, " Today, the land of UAE has scripted a golden chapter in the history of humanity."

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS temple in UAE on Wednesday, it was a moment of pride for a family in Kerala, which made the idol of Lord Ayyappa that was placed at the first Hindu temple in the Gulf country.

The panchaloha idol of Ayyappa was manufactured by a group of companies run by traditional artisans Ananthan Achari and his son Anu Ananthan at Parumala in Pathanamthitta district. “We are very proud of being associated with the temple. We have made idols and dhwaja stambha (flag pole) for hundreds of temples. But the opportunity to make the idol for BAPS temple is really a blessing of Ayyappa,” said Anu.

He said the Ayyappa idol would be the largest panchaloha (an alloy of five metals: gold, silver, copper, zinc, and iron) in the world. “The height, including the pedestal, is four feet. We have not come across a panchaloha idol of that size,” he said. Read More

PM Modi offered water on the idol of Maharaj Swami Narayan at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.

PM Narendra Modi was garlanded by Mahant Swami Maharaj at BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi.

PM Narendra Modi performed atri at the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi.

PM Modi touches feet of BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swamimaharaj at first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi.

Prime Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi. After the inauguration, PM Modi performed puja rituals at the temple.

PM Narendra Modi visits the complex at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.VIDEO | PM Modi visits the complex of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. He will inaugurate the temple shortly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.

Actor Akshay Kumar arrives at BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi which will be inaugurated today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Abu Dhabi temple is a traditional stone Hindu temple with seven shikhars. Built in the traditional Nagar style, the temple’s front panel depicts universal values, stories of harmony from different cultures, Hindu spiritual leaders and avatars.

Spread over 27 acres, the temple complex is on 13.5 acres, with a parking area of 13.5 acres that can accommodate around 1,400 cars and 50 buses. The 13.5 acres of land was gifted by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE in 2019.

The height of the temple is 108 ft, length 262 ft and width 180 ft. While the external facade uses pink sandstone from Rajasthan, the interior uses Italian marbles. A total of 20,000 tonnes of stones and marble was shipped in 700 containers for the temple. More than Rs 700 crore was spent on the temple’s construction.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the International Energy Agency (IEA) on its 50th anniversary, he said that India brings talent, technology and innovation to the table. He also emphasised that inclusivity boosts the credibility and capability of any institution. 

In the video on X (formerly Twitter) PM Modi said that India is the world's fastest-growing major economy and that sustained growth needs energy security and sustainability. He added that in one decade, India went from the 11th-largest economy to the fifth-largest. In the same timeframe, its solar energy capacity grew twenty-sixfold while its renewable energy capacity also doubled.  He said the IEA will benefit from India playing a bigger role in it, and stated that "1.4 billion Indians bring scale and speed, quantity and quality to every mission."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met his UAE counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and discussed a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation including trade and investment.

“Strengthening India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! PM @narendramodi met VP & PM of UAE @HHShkMohd in Dubai. Discussions covered a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation including trade & investment, technology, education, and people-to-people ties,” said a post on the official X handle of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina met on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in UAE.

In a statement MEA said, "Both leaders recognized the long-standing friendly relations and ancient geographical ties between the two countries. They discussed ways to advance bilateral ties and appreciated the close cooperation between the two countries in various multilateral fora, including the UN." MEA also said that India will remain a committed partner in the developmental journey of Madagascar.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a stump speech for his re-election on a global stage Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates, describing his years in power as pushing for “minimum government, maximum governance.”

Modi's comments come as he prepares for the inauguration of a stone-built Hindu temple near Abu Dhabi, the country's capital, after meeting with the Emirati leader he's repeatedly described as “his brother.”

That personal touch seems aimed at further cementing ties with the UAE, an oil-rich country that supplies India's energy needs while also serving as a home for some 3.5 million of his countrymen abroad. “I believe that people should neither feel the absence of a government, but at the same time, nor should there be pressure from the government,” Modi said in a speech before the World Governments Summit in Dubai. “In fact, I believe that the government should interfere as little as possible in the lives of people," he said. (AP)

PM Modi on Wednesday inaugurated 'Bharat Mart', a warehousing facility, in Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai also present at the inauguration event.

Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, PM Modi on Wednesday asserted that the “world today needs inclusive governments, which take everyone along and are clean and free from corruption.” Modi said it is the job of the government to ensure that their interference in people’s lives is minimal. “My fundamental principle has always been ‘Minimum government, maximum governance’. I have always emphasised creating an environment in which the sense of enterprise and energy in the citizens grows,” he said. 

At the World Government Summit in Dubai, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of minimizing government interference in people's lives, stating, "My fundamental principle has always been 'Minimum government, maximum governance'. I have always emphasised creating an environment in which the sense of enterprise and energy in the citizens grows..."

Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday underscored India's commitment to women-led development and youth empowerment at the World Government Summit in Dubai.

"We have focused on women-led development. We are strengthening the financial, social and political conditions of the Indian women. We have also given reservations to women in the Parliament. We are also creating new opportunities for youth and focusing on their skill development. Soon, India will have the third biggest startup ecosystem (of the world)," he said. 

"Over the last few years, people's trust has increased in the Indian government. People have trust in the intent and commitment of the Indian government. This was possible only because we prioritised public sentiments in governance," says PM Modi while addressing the World Government Summit in Dubai.

"World Government Summit has become a medium to bring thought leaders from all over the world together on a big stage. And the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has played a major role. The way Dubai is becoming the global epicentre of global economy, commerce and technology is a big achievement," he said. 

Prime Minister Modi began his speech at the World Government Summit in Dubai by thanking ‘his brother’ the UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for a warm welcome to the country. “I have gotten the chance to meet him quite a few times in the past few days. He is not only a leader of vision but also the leader of resolve and commitment,” Modi said.

“It is an honour to be speaking at the World Government Summit later today. I shall be elaborating on a wide range of subjects, which will strengthen the conversations around building a better planet” PM Modi posted on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)will also inaugurate Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple on Wednesday.

The Consecration ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi has begun ahead of its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, later today. 

During his two-day visit to UAE, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi, the first Hindu temple in the Gulf nation.

The inauguration of the 108-ft high temple marks a significant moment for the Hindu community in UAE, as well as for the two countries’ bilateral ties.

Eighteen lakh bricks, seven lakh man hours and 1.8 lakh cubic metres of sandstone directly from Rajasthan — Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple has been made in the Nagara style of architecture, just like the recently inaugurated Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Built in the Emirate’s Abu Mreikhah Cultural District at an estimated cost of Rs 700 crore, this is the Middle East’s first traditional stone Hindu temple.

Scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (February 14), the UAE temple is among 1,200 such temples built and managed by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an organisation in India and countries with a sizeable Indian community like the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

AS PRIME Minister Narendra Modi met UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, India and the UAE signed pacts on bilateral investment promotion, port infrastructure development, power trade, interlinking of digital payment platforms like the UPI, credit and debit cards, and an intergovernmental framework agreement on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor.

According to the MEA, the two sides also signed agreements on interlinking of digital payment platforms — UPI (India) and AANI (UAE). “This will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. This follows the MoU on interlinking payment and messaging systems signed in July last year during PM’s visit to Abu Dhabi,” it said.

They also signed a pact on interlinking domestic debit/ credit cards — RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE).  (Read More)

PM Modi who began his two-day visit to the Arab nation on Tuesday arrived in Abu Dhabi and was welcomed by United Arab Emirates president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He was also accorded the Guard of Honour, signifying the warm reception and diplomatic significance of the visit.

rime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is all set to inaugurate Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple on Wednesday. Situated in Abu Mureikhah near Al Rahba, the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir has been built on around 27 acres of land.

The work for the structure has been going on since 2019 and the land for it was donated by the UAE government.

Dubai's Burj Khalifa lit up with the words "Guest of Honor -the Republic of India" ahead of PM Modi's address to the World Government Summit, 2024. Prime Minister Modi is a Guest of Honour at the event and is expected to deliver a keynote address.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while highlighting the Digital India campaign, said that UPI services would soon begin in UAE. Talking about the digital revolution in India, Modi said that the people in UAE would also receive the benefits. 'We shared RuPay card pack with the UAE...UPI is about to begin in UAE soon. With this, seamless payments will be possible between the UAE and Indian accounts...,' Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the world looks at India as a 'Vishwa Bandhu', while adding that India is among the first countries to reach wherever there is crisis. "Today India's voice is heard on every major platform of the world," PM Modi said. "Today's strong India stands with its people at every step..." he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking at the 'Ahlan Modi' event on Tuesday, said that the UAE was India's third largest trade partner and seventh largest investor. "Both the countries are cooperating a lot in Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. Even today, the MoUs that were signed between us are taking forward this commitment,"Modi said. He said that the two countries were integrating their financial system, while strengthening partnership in the field of technology and innovation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing members of the Indian diaspora at Abu Dhabi, said that a new Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) office would soon open in Dubai. He added that a Master's course was also introduced at IIT-Delhi's ABu Dhabi campus. "These institutions will be helpful in providing the best education to the Indian community here," Modi said. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that it was every Indian's goal at present to make India a developed country. While addressing members of the Indian diaspora at the Ahlan Modi event, the Prime Minister highlighted the country's start-up ecosystem, India's space missions, and the development of 5G technology in the country. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing Indian diaspora members in Abu Dhabi, said that what the India and UAE had achieved in community and cultural relations could serve as a model for the whole world. He further said that India-UAE relations are reaching unprecedented heights, adding that the two countries were partners in each other's progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 'Ahlan Modi' event in Abu Dhabi, said that he was fortunate that he was awarded the country's highest civilian honour - The Order of Zayed. "This honour is not just mine but that of the crores of Indians, of all of you," Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, talking about UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to Gujarat for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit last year, said that lakhs of people had welcomed him because of the way he had taken care of the Indian diaspora. "I am happy that we got the opportunity to welcome him four times in India," Modi added.

Recalling his diplomatic visit to the UAE in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was an Indian PM's first visit in three decades to the gulf nation. " At that time, I was welcomed at the airport by the then Crown Prince and today's President along with his five brothers," Modi said. "That welcome was not for me alone but for the 140 crore Indians...," the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing Indian diaspora members at the Zayed sports stadium in Abu Dhabi, said that he had brought the fragrance of the soil where they were born. He added that he had also "brought the message of 140 crore people. The message is that Bharat is proud of you...". 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi at the 'Ahlan Modi' event, said that the members had created history. 'You have come from all corners of UAE, and different states of India, but everyone's hearts are connected. At this historic stadium, every heartbeat, every breath, every voice says - Long live India-UAE friendship..,' Modi said.

During his two-day visit to UAE, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi, the first Hindu temple in the Gulf nation. The inauguration of the 108-ft high temple marks a significant moment for the Hindu community in UAE, as well as for the two countries’ bilateral ties.

The temple has been built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a denomination of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Vaishnav sect of Hinduism. BAPS has a network of around 1,550 temples across the world, including the Akshardham temples in New Delhi and Gandhinagar, and Swaminarayan temples in London, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Nairobi. It also runs 3,850 centres and 17,000 weekly assemblies globally. Read more here

People belonging to the indian diaspora have started arriving at the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the Ahlan Modi event today. The Prime Minister will address them shortly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, witnessed the exchange of eight agreements, including a Bilateral Investment Treaty, an MoU on cooperation in the field of electrical interconnection and trade, and an Intergovernmental Framework Agreement between the two countries on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor, news agency PTI reported. The Bilateral Investment Treaty could play a significant role in the promotion of investments in both countries. The countries welcomes the deepening of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across sectors, including trade and investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, infrastructure, culture and people-to-people ties. Discussions also covered regional and global issues, PTI reported quoting the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched the RuPay card service in Abu Dhabi Tuesday, according to a PTI report. “We are embarking on a new FinTech era with the launch of my UPI RuPay card and your Jaywan card,” the report quoted Modi as saying. As per a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, the two countries also exchanged multiple bilateral agreements, with one of them related to  interlinking of the instant payment platforms - UPI (India) and AANI (UAE), news agency PTI reported. This would lead to better facilitation of cross-border transactions between the countries. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said that there was mutual partnership between both India and UAE in every sector today, news agency PTI reported. "As you said, I feel that whenever I have come here, I have always felt that I have come to my home and family," Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, thanked him for accepting his invitation to visit his home state of Gujarat as well as for attending the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, news agency ANI reported. "You have taken this event to new heights and its reputation has increased in the world...," Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after landing in Abu Dhabi Tuesday, held a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, thanking him for his support towards the construction of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in Abu Dhabi, news agency ANI reported. The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the temple - Abu Dhabi's first - tomorrow.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in UAE on Tuesday, the PM and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan introduced the UPI RuPay card service  in Abu Dhabi, as per news agency ANI.

It is perhaps fitting that one of his last international trips in his second term as Prime Minister takes Narendra Modi to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The inauguration of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) temple in Abu Dhabi and the release of eight Indian ex-naval personnel held on espionage charges in Doha this week are two different kinds of events.

Together, they are a high water mark for Modi’s diplomacy and symbolise the transformation of India’s relations with the Gulf during the last 10 years. It was unimaginable that a large Hindu temple would be built in the deeply Islamic and conservative Arabian peninsula with full state support, and the Indian Prime Minister would be there for its inauguration. When the eight former naval personnel were handed a death sentence last October, it was considered near impossible to secure their release. Read more here

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to the UAE on August 16-17, 2015 set the stage for transforming the relationship. The warm welcome he received at the airport from the then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi (now President of UAE) His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan set the tone for what turned out to be a hugely successful visit."

 "The excellent personal rapport between the leadership of the two countries and the trust it has engendered over the past ten years, brought India and the UAE into an exemplary bond of mutually beneficial partnership. The Indian diaspora has meanwhile increased to over 3.5 million, cementing ties further,"  T P Seetharam, former Ambassador of India to the UAE (2013-2016) writes.