Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE and Bahrain
As part of the three country tour, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited France, the UAE and Bahrain. He began his journey on Thursday to visit France. On Friday night, he arrived in the UAE and on Saturday he was in Bahrain. Today, 25 August, he leaves Bahrain to attend the G7 summit in France.
His visit to the two Gulf countries saw two honours awarded to Modi, along with the launch of the RuPay card and high-level meetings with country leaders and businessmen. Following are the highlights of his visit.
In the UAE
Narendra Modi was welcomed in his third visit to the UAE, where His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces honoured him with the “Order of Zayed” — the highest civilian honour in the UAE.
Modi launched the RuPay card, making the first transaction at a mock sweet shop in the Emirates Palace, and released a new stamp to commemorate the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, Indian independence leader.
Modi indicated that the UAE will play a major role in supporting India’s vision to become a USD 5 trillion economy — effectively doubling in the next five years.
He also discussed increased collaboration between the two countries and encouraged investment in India, as he envisions India to see an investment-led growth in the next five years.
"The UAE is our third largest trade partner with about US$60 billion bilateral trade in 2018-19. Many of our companies are investing here in UAE. Both countries are working closely and vigorously to implement the commitment of US$75 billion investment by UAE in India.Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
Modi also reportedly held closed door meetings with Indian businessmen in the UAE, encouraging investment in Kashmir.
In Bahrain
Modi’s arrival in Bahrain marked the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister in the Kingdom, and was celebrated with a ceremonial welcome.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa welcomes Modi to the Gudaibiya Palace on Saturday, following which they discussed areas for improved collaboration.
Narendra Modi launched the RuPay card as planned under a Memorandum of Understanding.
They also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to increase collaboration in the space technology sector between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Bahrain's National Space Science Agency; exchange of culture; as well as an agreement to collaborate with the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
The ISA is a project launched by Modi in 2015 along with the then French President Francois Hollande at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, which now has more than 122 countries signed on.
Modi was also honoured with "The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance" by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa
