When Indian PM visited the UAE after 34 years

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at a meeting in Abu Dhabi in August.

On the eve of his visit to the UAE on August 16, 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was keen to foster a strategic partnership, particularly in the security, energy and investment sectors, with the fastest growing Arab economy and its visionary and pragmatic leadership.
In an interview with Khaleej Times at his high-security official residence at Race Course Road on Indian Independence Day, Modi described the UAE as a 'Mini-India' close to his heart where all languages and dialects of his nation are spoken by the 2.6 million Indian diaspora.Modi was confident that with an overall economic reform programme in progress, Indians in the UAE will find their home country an attractive, stable and secure destination for investment and savings. Marvelling at the UAE's spectacular achievements, he described it as a paradise built in a desert.
Excerpts from the interview:
You are the first Indian prime minister in 34 years to visit a country that has 2.6 million Indian residents. Do you think India unintentionally neglected the UAE in the recent past?
It is an anomaly that an Indian prime minister is visiting the UAE after 34 years. We have deep historical links and unmatched level of familiarity with each other. We are now among each other's top three trading partners. No country has better air connectivity with India than the UAE. The 2.6 million Indians here form an indelible human bond between us. We have a range of common security and strategic concerns in the region, including terrorism and extremism. So India and the UAE have everything to be a top priority for each other.
Indians in the UAE send home over $10 billion as remittances. Can you assure them that India will remain a rewarding investment and savings destination?
Indians abroad are proud and excited about the changes taking place in India. I see a new level of confidence in them about India; and a new level of desire to participate in India's transformation. I not only seek to encourage them to be part of India's success, but am also taking steps to facilitate their travel to and participation in India.
India has had very good relations with every country in the Middle East and the Gulf. At a time when so much tension is built up in the region, what role can a common friend like India can play?
India has always abided by the principle of non-interference in other countries and has consistently supported dialogue as a means to resolve all issues. I strongly believe that the problems in this region can only be addressed by the collective efforts and constructive engagement of all countries.
What are your thoughts on this historic trip?
I have been hearing about the progress made by Dubai for years. However, personally, I have never had the opportunity to visit the country. Although as prime minister, I am going to the UAE after 34 years, but personally this would be my first visit to the country. I have always thought, how this paradise could come up in a desert? What vision! What remarkable skill!
What is the key message you would like to give to the UAE leadership?
I certainly have no right to give a "message" to the Government of the UAE. First of all, this is the first visit by an Indian prime minister after 34 years. Secondly, I have never met the leadership of the UAE, yet have heard wonderful things about their vision, their capability and their ability to under-stand the forces shaping the modern world. I certainly have no right to give them any kind of message. But yes, I do wish for our friend-ship to deepen.
You have been to many countries since you became Prime Minister and met many Indian expatriate communities. Could you describe what is special about the Indian community in the UAE?
The 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. Secondly, earlier, the process of development was a challenge. Today, the form of development is a challenge in itself. Moreover, terrorism poses a grave danger to humanity. Therefore, all those countries who believe in humanity, must stand together without delay.
issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com