Congress slams Modi for remarks in UAE on previous governments

This is first visit by the Indian prime minister in over a decade.

Taking a dig at the former Prime Ministers of the Congress party for not visiting UAE for over 30 years, Modi said, “So many flights are there between India and UAE but it took 34 years for a PM to visit this nation“.

Addressing a 50,000-strong Indian diaspora at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, the Prime Minister called Dubai a ‘mini-India’.

Asserting that terrorism has no boundaries, Prime Minister Modi said the world must unite to fight terror.

The Indian PM has been told about some troubles being faced by investors from the UAE and he wants to assure them that the government is solving those difficulties that blocking India’s development. “India should get the permanent seat in the Security Council”. Indian companies will also have the opportunity to venture into similar projects in the UAE.

The offer, along with a decision by both the sides to jack up trade by 60 per cent in five years, has turned Modi’s two-day visit to the UAE a grand success in terms of bilateral economic relationship, Indian businessmen in the UAE point out. The two leaders explored ways to strengthen the friendship and cooperation on strategic grounds that ensure the interests of both countries and people. “Violence will do no good to anybody”, said Modi.

The Prime Minister said he would try his best to resolve all outstanding issues in the economic sphere.

On the occasion of PM Modi’s visit, UAE government grants land to build a temple in Abu Dhabi. Investments from the UAE so far have amounted to $10 billion-$3 billion in direct investment and the rest through the stock market.

India on Monday sought investments from the UAE in areas ranging from infrastructure to agriculture and warehousing, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that India could absorb $1 trillion in investment as he promised a conducive business climate.

The visit is highlighting New Delhi’s concern over the welfare of migrant workers involved in the construction industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Those who are familiar with Abu Dhabi, will know what a gesture this is”, he said. He met briefly with a few hundred Indian workers at the camp, shaking hands and listening to their struggles and requests, including lifting transfer taxes on remittances.