In a significant diplomatic tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wrapped up his two-nation visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, departing for New Delhi from Doha on Thursday. The visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring avenues of cooperation in various sectors.
Upon arriving in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Wednesday night from the UAE, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome on Thursday. He engaged in a bilateral meeting with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
During the meeting, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the Amir of Qatar for supporting the release of eight Indian navy veterans who were arrested in Doha in an alleged espionage case. He also extended an invitation to the Qatar leader to undertake an official visit to India. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted these aspects in a briefing on the Prime Minister’s visit.
“Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Amir for his support for the welfare of the Indian community and expressed his deep appreciation for the release of eight Indian nationals of Al Dahra company. We are extremely gratified to see them back in India. PM invited His Highness the Amir to pay a visit to India,” said Vinay Kwatra.
The discussions between PM Modi and the Amir of Qatar covered various areas of bilateral cooperation, including energy partnerships, regional security issues, cultural affinity, and people-to-people ties. The leaders emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the West Asia region.
Earlier in the visit, PM Modi held talks with his counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, focusing on ways to enhance bilateral ties. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, on February 14. The temple stands as the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, symbolizing the enduring friendship between India and the UAE, promoting cultural inclusivity, interfaith harmony, and community collaboration.
The Prime Minister’s tour saw warm welcomes from the Indian diaspora in both countries, with people expressing their enthusiasm and support. As the two-nation visit concludes, the diplomatic engagements are expected to contribute to the further strengthening of ties between India, the UAE, and Qatar.
