Jaishankar visits UAE for bilateral talks, starts with BAPS Hindu temple visit

Jaishankar holds bilateral talks with UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Jaishankar visits iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi

UAE among top 4 investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday arrived in Abu Dhabi to hold wide-ranging talks with his United Arab Emirates counterpart, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This visit underscores the growing importance of the bilateral relationship between India and the UAE, highlighting the mutual interest in enhancing strategic, economic, and cultural ties.

Before the formal talks, Jaishankar visited the iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. This visit to the temple was not just a cultural gesture but also a symbolic representation of the deep-rooted ties and the thriving Indian expatriate community in the UAE. The two leaders are expected to deliberate on the overall situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need for regional stability and cooperation, besides focusing on strengthening bilateral relations.

“Blessed to visit the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi today. A visible symbol of India-UAE friendship, it radiates a positive message to the world and is a true cultural bridge between our two countries,” Jaishankar posted on X soon after the visit. The temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14 this year, stands as a testament to the enduring cultural and spiritual connections between the two nations.

During his visit to the temple, Jaishankar interacted with the monks of BAPS, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sansthan, the organization responsible for building the temple on land generously donated by the UAE. This gesture of land donation by the UAE highlights the nation’s commitment to fostering a multicultural and inclusive society.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir, situated on a 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah near Al Rahba, is a stunning display of craftsmanship and devotion. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural landmark, attracting visitors from all over the world and promoting a message of peace and unity.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that Jaishankar’s visit to the UAE provides an invaluable opportunity to review the entire spectrum of the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE, as well as to discuss regional and global developments. “During the visit, the External Affairs Minister will have a meeting with his UAE counterpart on wide-ranging issues of the partnership,” the MEA stated.

The Indian community in the UAE, numbering about 3.5 million, forms the largest expatriate group in the country. This vibrant and dynamic community plays a crucial role in the socio-economic fabric of the UAE, contributing significantly to its development and prosperity.

The ties between India and the UAE have witnessed a significant upswing in recent years. Following the landmark visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE in August 2015, bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This strategic elevation marked a new era of cooperation, opening up avenues for deeper engagement across various sectors.

One of the key milestones in this strengthened partnership was the signing of a landmark comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) in February 2022. This trade pact is designed to boost economic engagement between the two nations, providing numerous benefits such as the elimination and reduction of tariffs, fostering an open trade environment, and enhancing market access for service providers across various sectors.

The UAE’s position as one of the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23 further underscores the robust economic ties between the two countries. The UAE’s investments span various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and technology, contributing to India’s economic growth and development.

Jaishankar’s visit to the UAE and his engagement with the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi highlights the multifaceted nature of India-UAE relations. From strategic and economic cooperation to cultural and community ties, the relationship between the two nations continues to grow, paving the way for a prosperous and collaborative future.