External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday for extensive discussions with his United Arab Emirates counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Before the meeting, Jaishankar visited the renowned BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, where the two leaders were set to discuss the current situation in Gaza and bilateral relations.
Following his visit, Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, highlighting its significance as a symbol of friendship between India and the UAE. The temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14, serves as a cultural bridge between the two nations.
During his visit to the temple, Jaishankar engaged with the monks of BAPS, the organization responsible for constructing the temple on land donated by the UAE. Located on a 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah near Al Rahba, the BAPS Hindu Mandir showcases exquisite craftsmanship.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Jaishankar's visit would offer an opportunity to assess the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE, in addition to discussing regional and global developments with his UAE counterpart.
The UAE is home to a vibrant Indian community of around 3.5 million, making it the largest expatriate group in the country. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to the UAE in August 2015, bilateral relations have significantly strengthened, culminating in the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In February 2022, both nations signed a significant Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance economic cooperation.
The CEPA aims to boost economic engagement by eliminating or reducing tariffs, promoting open trade, and facilitating market access for service providers across various sectors. Additionally, the UAE ranks among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in the current fiscal year.