PM Modi Set to Address World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Global Engagement: Prime Minister Modi's Diplomatic Endeavors
In a significant diplomatic event, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to deliver a keynote address at the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai on February 14, marking his second invitation to speak at this prestigious gathering following his initial appearance in 2018.
The WGS serves as an annual convergence point for global leaders, policymakers, experts, and influencers from diverse sectors to deliberate on and tackle pressing global challenges.
Scheduled from February 12 to 14, the summit has been a fixture in Dubai’s calendar since 2013, attracting a diverse array of participants from governmental bodies, international organizations, academia, and the private sector. Notably, this follows closely on the heels of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s attendance as the chief guest at the 10th Vibrant Gujarat edition in January, where he lauded the summit as a pivotal platform for fostering economic growth and knowledge exchange.
President bin Zayed’s rare public endorsement underscores the deep respect and admiration he holds for India and Prime Minister Modi.
The WGS has previously hosted distinguished speakers such as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Georgia PM Irakli Garibashvili, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Kuwait, Indonesia, and Turkey. This underscores the summit’s global importance and influence.
Prime Minister Modi’s forthcoming address in Dubai is part of a broader visit to the UAE, which includes a keynote speech at the mega diaspora event, Ahlan (Hello) Modi, in Abu Dhabi on February 13.
The event, to be held at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, is anticipated to be the largest diaspora gathering since the landmark event at Madison Square Garden in 2014. With a sizable Indian diaspora of 3.5 million, the UAE hosts one of the largest overseas Indian communities globally.
Additionally, on February 14, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the UAE’s inaugural traditional stone temple, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Symbolic of the UAE’s commitment to inclusivity and tolerance, the temple’s land was graciously provided by the UAE government in 2015.
The relationship between India and the UAE is built upon three pillars: Energy, with significant oil trade valued in billions; Economy, highlighted by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the recently approved Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT); and expatriates, with the substantial Indian diaspora contributing significantly to the UAE’s socio-economic fabric.
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to the UAE marks his seventh since 2014, reflecting the strengthening ties between the two nations. His previous visits in 2023 (twice), 2022, 2019, 2018, and 2015 underscore the deepening strategic partnership and shared vision for regional and global prosperity.
