Modi visit: Tolerant UAE, secular India

Tolerant UAE and secular India together are powerful forces for global peace and harmony. The leadership of both sides consider each other as brothers, said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an exclusive interview to Khaleej Times on Friday.

The India prime minister was warmly received in Abu Dhabi by top UAE officials and Indian and UAE ambassadors. 
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces is scheduled to meet Modi on Saturday.
The UAE tops India's foreign policy agenda and the surge in ties in the past five years is a win-win for both the countries, Modi said in the interview. "

Ours is not a relationship dominated by statistics. It is a strategic partnership based on shared vision and objectives," said Modi who is here to receive the Order of Zayed, the UAE's highest civilian honour.

He lauded Sheikh Mohamed for his initiatives that promote regional peace, and said both sides share a common vision. The excellent rapport he has with Sheikh Mohamed has been a "driving force in realising the true potential of the relationship".

On the mandate of the 2019 election which brought his party to power, he said people want stability and a firm leadership.

He said the UAE-Indian partnership has the heft to ride over global economic headwinds that foretell a recession. He said both sides complement each other's growth story.

The Indian prime minister said this is the best time to invest in India, and invited Indian expatriates to join the country's 'Make in India' initiatives.

India has been a leading voice in cracking down on terrorism and money laundering, he said.

allan@khaleejtimes.com

• India

Allan Jacob

A news junkie with an abiding interest in foreign affairs. I'm a keen follower and learner of the media and how it will pan out in the future when the common man and woman will themselves be journalists and not just sources of information. Lead a team of bright journalists who are driving the change and have their feet on the ground.

allan@khaleejtimes.com