On the eve of that historic state visit to the UAE in 2015, a seemingly bemused Prime Minister Narendra Modi looked at me and quipped: How come the former Indian leadership could afford to overlook the strategic importance of a close economic partner like the UAE for such a long time?
The Indian leader, during an interaction with Khaleej Times at his heavily fortified official residence at Delhi's Race Course Road, was referring to a glaring glitch in top-level leadership engagements between the UAE and India for more than three decades notwithstanding an otherwise thriving bilateral partnership.
In that riveting interview with one of the world's most outstanding and outspoken statesmen, I asked rather hesitantly whether such a protracted interval in high-level leadership visit was an unintentional omission on India's part.
"Yes indeed," said the prime minister. "It is an anomaly that an Indian prime minister is visiting the UAE after 34 years despite our deep historical links and unmatched level of familiarity with each other."
In the candid discourse that took place in the afternoon on Indian Independence Day, the prime minister who came back after hoisting the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historical site of Red Fort in Delhi, insisted that India and the UAE are natural partners in progress as both share a common destiny and close geographical proximity with less than four hours of air connectivity.
Known for his spellbinding rhetoric and intriguing charisma, Modi described the UAE as a 'Mini-India' and "a paradise built up in a desert with unmatched vision and remarkable skill," and declared, "The UAE is close to my heart, and I see the country as our foremost trade and investment partner."
Swayed by his eloquent remarks, it dawned on me. At long last, here is a passionate leader who is embarking on a mission to make a truly significant difference on UAE-India relations in the days to come. Asked what was the message he would like to send to the UAE leaders on the eve of his eagerly-awaited visit, the prime minister replied that since he adored the UAE leaders for "their bold vision and ability to understand the forces shaping the modern world," he had no right to give them a message. "But yes, I do wish for our friendship to deepen, and our relationship to broaden, and for UAE-India relations to evolve into a strategic partnership," said Modi, who swept to power with a magnificent win in 2014,
On his thoughts on the future of ties with the UAE, he said: "I would like to see a truly comprehensive strategic partnership evolve between our two countries. We want to work together in advanced areas of science and technology. We would build regular and effective cooperation in a full range of security challenges.
Our armed forces would engage with each other more. We will work together more closely in international forums and in addressing regional challenges. We will nurture our cultural and educational links. There are no limits to our relationship. In short, in every walk of life, we should turn to each other as a matter of habit," he said exuding confidence and charm.
The rest is history. Modi's visit to this country was so electrifying in its impact among the UAE residents as he weaved his magic with words, captivating the Indian Diaspora, and capturing hearts.
On the second day of his UAE visit, addressing a mass meeting that drew more than 60,000 people at a packed cricket stadium in Dubai, Modi who projects a larger-than-life public persona, promised the influential Indian investor community a new nation of their dreams as he instantly built a camaraderie with the UAE leaders with so much warmth that no other Indian leaders before him could accomplish.
Indeed, it is a fact that such profound rapport and ardent interaction between leaders of two friendly countries had never happened before his game-changing visit although relations between businesses, peoples and governments of the UAE and India continued to flourish over the years.
Acknowledging such hiccups in leadership relations, Modi said, "After becoming prime minister, I have observed that globally, between countries, it is governments which first forge close relationships, and development of people-to-people contacts follows. However, in the case of the UAE, while India has close people-to-people contacts, there was a certain distance between the governments.
I think this was a mismatch. From a diplomatic viewpoint, this just does not seem right. This must change. I am confident that my visit will be successful, and I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai for extending this kind invitation to me."
He pointed out that the entire world accepts that the 21st century will be Asia's. "And the UAE has a special place in Asia. India is a big country in terms of numbers. If Asia is to rise, then India has the responsibility to bring all such powers in Asia together, and to work with them to make the Asian century a reality."
Observing that the Indian community in the UAE had been embraced with such warmth in the UAE, he said: "The way the two communities work together represents a special bond. There are tens of thousands of such people there, who are connected with India every moment. I am sure that the world shall take note of the Indian community's contribution. This workforce has been there for the last 30-40 years. They have set an example for how an expatriate community can become a part of their resident country's development journey."
Modi's landmark visit was followed by high-profile state visits by UAE leaders, including those by Their Highnesses Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces.
Indeed, as a change-maker, Modi succeeded in striking a chord with his UAE peers, not only reinforcing the ties but also adding a new dimension to the two-way engagements.
- issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com
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