The Indian Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a tweet, “In a special gesture, Sheikh Mohamed, accompanied by senior members of the Royal Family, was at Abu Dhabi airport for the interaction with the Prime Minister.”
I am touched by the special gesture of my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of coming to welcome me at Abu Dhabi airport. My gratitude to him. @MohamedBinZayed pic.twitter.com/8hdHHGiR0z
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a one-day-visit to the United Arab Emirates to offer his condolences on the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, former UAE president and Abu Dhabi ruler. He also congratulated Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on his election as the president of the UAE and expressed resolve to further deepen cooperation between the two countries in all domains.
Prime Minister Modi visited UAE while returning from Germany, where he attended the G7 Summit. The visit comes after the comments of a BJP spokesperson drew strong criticism and condemnation from the Muslim nations including the Gulf.
During the visit the two leaders reiterated their commitment to boost the bilateral trade and enhance strategic cooperation between the two countries for the prosperity of their people.
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President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also appreciated the contribution of the Indian community in the building, development and progress of the UAE.
The meeting between the two leaders was also attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, several Ministers, officials, and the delegation accompanying the Indian Prime Minister.
The bilateral relations between the two countries have seen a growth since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) earlier this year. The agreement seeks to increase the bilateral trade between the two countries to $115 billion within next five years. India has become one of the most significant trade partner of the Gulf country.
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