Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently captivated a 40,000-strong audience at the ‘AHLAN MODI’ event in Abu Dhabi, a grand gathering organised by the Indian community in the UAE to honour his visit. Addressing Indians from all walks of life and Emiratis, Modi highlighted the pivotal role of the Indian Diaspora in cementing India-UAE bilateral ties. He thanked the UAE’s leadership for their support, especially during the pandemic, acknowledging the special care extended to the Indian community.
AHLAN MODI
Modi outlined India’s achievements over the past decade and projected a bold vision for the nation’s future, expressing confidence that India is on its path to becoming the third-largest economy by 2030 and achieving developed country status by 2047. He emphasised India’s role as “Vishwabandhu,” a friend to the world, underlining its contributions to global well-being and progress. The UAE, home to the most prominent Indian diaspora globally, witnessed months of preparation to make ‘AHLAN MODI’ a memorable event, underscoring the deep connections between the two nations and their peoples.
At the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event in the UAE, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant development in the financial relationship between India and the UAE, revealing that UPI (Unified Payments Interface) services are set to be launched in the UAE soon. This move is poised to revolutionize the way Indians residing in the UAE conduct financial transactions, making it easier for them to send money back home to their families without any hassles.
The introduction of UPI, a real-time payment system that has transformed the digital economy in India by enabling instant money transfers through mobile devices, in the UAE reflects a deepening of financial integration and cooperation between the two countries.
PM Modi’s announcement underscores the broader context of strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing global trust in both nations. He highlighted the successful organization of the G20 summit, where the UAE was invited as a partner, as an example of India’s growing influence and leadership on the global stage. Modi emphasized that India’s voice is now heard and respected in international forums, and the country is often sought out for assistance during global crises.
The Prime Minister also reflected on the proactive role India has played in assisting its citizens abroad during emergencies, citing the evacuation operations from countries like Ukraine and Sudan in recent years. These operations exemplify India’s commitment to the welfare and safety of its citizens, regardless of where they are in the world.
Through these remarks, PM Modi conveyed a message of India’s ascendancy as a global leader, capable of forging strong international partnerships and ensuring the well-being of its diaspora. The introduction of UPI services in the UAE is just one facet of this broader vision, aimed at not only facilitating easier financial transactions for the Indian community in the UAE but also at strengthening the economic and diplomatic ties between India and the UAE.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the Indian community at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event in the UAE, reflected on his first official visit to the country in 2015, marking a historic moment as it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the UAE in three decades.
His recounting of the visit highlighted not just the formal diplomatic engagements but also the personal warmth and hospitality extended to him, particularly by then Crown Prince and current President, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi’s recollection of being personally received at the airport by the Crown Prince, a gesture that is both rare and signifies deep respect and friendship, underscores the close personal and diplomatic ties between India and the UAE.
Modi described the emotional impact of the warm welcome he received, noting the glitter in the eyes of the people, which made him feel as though he was visiting someone very close to him rather than engaging in a formal state visit. This personal touch set the tone for the future relationship between Modi and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, fostering a sense of brotherhood and mutual respect.
Fast forward to the present, PM Modi recounted that Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed once again personally came to receive him at the airport, demonstrating that the warmth and oneness between them have remained unchanged over the years. This gesture of personal welcome is symbolic of the strong and evolving relationship between India and the UAE, highlighting a unique bond of friendship and cooperation that transcends formal diplomatic protocols.
PM Modi’s acknowledgment of welcoming Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed to India four times further illustrates the reciprocal nature of their relationship and the continued effort on both sides to strengthen bilateral ties. These interactions between leaders not only cement personal relationships but also pave the way for deeper strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering a strong and enduring partnership.
