During his 3-nation tour, PM Narendra Modi recently visited UAE and highlighted strong co-operation between the two nations. The defense partnership between India and UAE will be witnessed by a joint naval drill in the Gulf waters. This is going to be the first time that Indian Navy will be exercising a joint drill in the Gulf beyond the Arabian Sea.
While addressing the World Government Summit in Dubai, PM Modi talked about assimilating technology with governance to ensure equitable growth. He also met Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE.
PM Modi’s visit majorly focused on a joint approach to tackle terrorism and radicalization. The Indian institutions will be working in association with entities of UAE namely Sawab and Hedayah. These are actively addressing radical thoughts and actions at religious places, schools, and among the youth. Laying emphasis on defense and security, the joint statement stated:
“The two leaders welcome the decision taken during the latest round of Joint Defence Cooperation Committee held in December 2017 to conduct the first bilateral naval exercise in 2018.”
While addressing the audience Modi said that India aspires to play a leading role in fields like Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, and cloud computing. Besides, PM Modi launched a project for setting up first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi that will act as a “catalytic agent” of humanity and will represent India’s identity.
In addition, delegation-level talks were held between PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at ongoing cooperation between India and UAE in areas of security, defense, and space. They discussed the growing defense cooperation including training programmes, joint exercises, and participation in exhibitions, ship visits, port calls, etc.
Currently, Prime Minister Modi is completing his tour in Oman where he addressed Indian community in Muscat and has signed 8 agreements with Sultan Qaboos. He is also scheduled to meet CEOs and the Deputy PM of Oman before flying back to India.
