Modi Live in Dubai at Dubai Cricket Stadium, ‘Marhaba Namo’ Event

Modi’s visit placed great emphasis on improved economic ties between the two countries, which share a major commercial relationship.

Modi, who later travelled to Dubai on the second leg of his UAE tour, also held detailed talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The two nations agreed to work together for the adoption of India’s proposal on Comprehensive Convention on global Terrorism in the United Nations. Heads of companies like Etisalat, Etihad Airways, Emirates, DP World, Commercial Bank of Dubai and Emaar Group were also present during the meeting.

During the talks at the “Emirates Palace” hotel where Modi is staying, the two sides emphasised on expanding engagement between the two countries, holding that there was a huge untapped opportunities to step up economic cooperation.

It set a target of increasing bilateral trade by 60 percent in the next five years and pledged cooperation in developing and launching satellites, as well as peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Earlier in the day, Modi was accompanied on an hour-long visit of Masdar City, by senior City officials, who briefed him on various aspects of the project.

The money would be distributed through the establishment of the UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund, which will support the building of railways, ports, roads, airports and industrial corridors, according to a joint statement released by the crown prince and Modi. “You are not only earning your living, but also making India proud”, Modi said addressing thousands of expatriate Indians here. Modi had mentioned in his Dubai address that India was ripe for a trillion-dollar investment.

“India-UAE joint statement carries a strong message against terrorism”. It adds that the “The two sides will facilitate regular exchanges of religious scholars and intellectuals and organise conferences and seminars to promote the values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare that is inherent in all religions”.

Indian and the UAE on Monday hailed a new course for their partnership, particularly economically and in counter-terrorism.

Thirdly, the Prime Minister’s outreach to the blue-collared skilled workers in the UAE – where they constitute nearly 2.6 million – is a politically astute move.