In a remarkable diplomatic event, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to address the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai as the “guest of honour” on February 14. This prestigious event convenes world leaders, policymakers, experts, and thought leaders and aims to discuss and tackle pressing global issues. This marks the second time PM Modi has been invited to this renowned summit, with the first invitation extended in 2018.
Indian Prime Minister Modi at WGS: A Pinnacle of Diplomacy
The World Government Summit: A Global Gathering
The World Government Summit (WGS) has been an annual fixture in Dubai since 2013. It is a global platform for leaders from diverse backgrounds to converge and address critical global challenges.
UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s Praise for PM Modi
UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who recently attended the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit initiated by PM Modi, hailed it as a crucial platform for economic growth and the exchange of investment expertise. His endorsement of collaboration for prosperity underscores the high esteem in which he holds India and PM Modi.
Previous Notable Speakers at WGS
A History of Influential Voices
Previous editions of the World Government Summit have witnessed an array of distinguished speakers, including 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. The participation of these global leaders highlights the summit’s far-reaching impact.
Prime Minister Modi’s UAE Visit: An Overview
Ahlan Modi: A Grand Diaspora Event
As part of his broader visit to the UAE, Prime Minister Modi will address the mega diaspora event, Ahlan (Hello) Modi, in Abu Dhabi on February 13. This historic gathering will occur at the Zayed Sports City Stadium and is touted as the largest diaspora event since Madison Square Garden in 2014.
The UAE’s Indian Diaspora: A Robust Community
The UAE is home to a significant Indian diaspora, boasting a population of 3.5 million, making it one of the largest overseas Indian communities globally. The event underscores the deep-rooted ties between India and the UAE.
Inaugurating the BAPS Hindu Mandir
On February 14, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the UAE’s first traditional stone temple, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, in Abu Dhabi. This Hindu temple is symbolic of the UAE’s ethos of inclusivity and tolerance, as the land for the temple was generously provided by the UAE government in 2015.
The Three Pillars of India-UAE Relations
Energy: The Oil Trade
The relationship between India and the UAE is built on three fundamental pillars. First, the energy sector is pivotal, with oil trade from the UAE worth billions of dollars.
Economy: Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
The second pillar is the economy, highlighted by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This agreement, expected to boost economic ties, is further complemented by the recent nod from the Indian cabinet for the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
Expatriates: The Indian Diaspora
The third pillar revolves around the Indian expatriate community, comprising a significant 3.5 million-strong Indian diaspora that contributes significantly to the socio-economic fabric of the UAE.
PM Modi’s Frequent UAE Visits
A History of Diplomatic Engagements
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to the UAE will be his seventh since 2014, reflecting the deep-rooted diplomatic relations between the two nations. His previous visits in 2023, twice in 2022, and in 2019, 2018, and 2015 have contributed to strengthening ties.
Conclusion
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai marks a significant diplomatic achievement. It underscores the growing importance of the UAE-India relationship. It highlights the key events during PM Modi’s visit, including his participation in the Ahlan Modi event and the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir. The three pillars of energy, economy, and expatriates form the foundation of the strong ties between the two nations. PM Modi’s frequent visits to the UAE further cement these diplomatic relations, promising a bright future for cooperation and collaboration.
