Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his pride in the Indian diaspora and their efforts to deepen India’s engagement with the world, as the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event in Abu Dhabi takes place today.
PM Modi further stated that he is looking forward to joining the Indian diaspora in the UAE for the Ahlan Modi initiative.
Sharing his excitement on his social media X, PM Modi stated, “We are very proud of our diaspora and their efforts to deepen India’s engagement with the world. This evening, I look forward to being among UAE’s Indian diaspora at the #AhlanModi programme! Do join this memorable occasion.”
On Monday, the official account of Ahlan Modi, posted their excitement on X, stating, “Less than 24 hours for PM @narendramodi Modi to arrive in UAE.”
Despite the adverse weather, the enthusiasm of the Indian community in the UAE remained unaffected, with over 2,500 people braving heavy rains to participate in full-ground rehearsals and volunteer briefings on the eve of the ‘Ahlaan Modi’ event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event today (Tuesday) at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
PM Modi will be in the UAE for a two-day official visit that begins today. This will be his eighth visit to the UAE since 2015, and third in the last eight months.
The Indian diaspora’s enthusiasm has been extraordinary, causing organisers to close registrations last week when the number of guests exceeded 65,000.
The Indian expatriate community, which numbers around 3.5 million, is the largest ethnic group in the UAE, accounting for roughly 35% of the total population.
The event’s main highlights include an exhibition of over 700 cultural artists, which brings to life the immense diversity of Indian arts while also providing an inclusive cultural feast.
More than 150 Indian community groups actively participate in the event, highlighting India’s geographic diversity and the integration of thousands of blue-collar workers from throughout the emirates, creating a beautiful tapestry of diversity and harmony.
Following the Ahlan Modi event, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14. In December, PM Modi and the BAPS Swami Ishwarcharandas met at the Prime Minister’s residence, and he gladly accepted the invitation, expressing his enthusiastic support for the historic and renowned temple.
During his visit, PM Modi will have bilateral discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders will discuss how to deepen, develop, and strengthen their nations’ strategic cooperation, as well as exchange perspectives on regional and international topics of mutual concern.
The Prime Minister will also attend the World Government Summit 2024, which will be hosted in Dubai, as a Guest of Honour and deliver a special keynote presentation.