Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UAE on Monday, weeks after statements regarding the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) made by a high-ranking official sparked outrage in the Gulf.
India’s foreign ministry spokeswoman tweeted a photo of Modi hugging UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after the two met at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
“My brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, came to greet me at Abu Dhabi airport in a pleasant gesture,” he said. Modi thanked him in a tweet.
On his way back from the G7 conference in Germany, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a one-day visit to Germany, where he will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Sheikh Mohamed’s brother, the former president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, died in May, thus India’s foreign minister stated Modi’s visit was to extend his sympathy and congratulations on taking over as leader.
In the United Arab Emirates, Indian expatriates make up 35 percent of the population of 10 million, making them the largest expatriate group. Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said in a statement that the United Arab Emirates has become India’s third-largest commercial partner after China and the United States.
According to the report, the UAE is India’s third-largest export market, receiving close to $16 billion in exports in 2020-21. Minerals, precious metals, jewels, and jewellery, as well as food and textiles, are major exports. A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed in February between the two nations in order to increase trade and investment.
Works at The Truth International Magazine. My area of interest includes international relations, peace & conflict studies, qualitative & quantitative research in social sciences, and world politics. Reach@ aimen.bukhari@tti.org.pk
