Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE began with a ceremonial escort by UAE F-16 jets, highlighting the strong relationship between India and the Emirates and setting the stage for discussions on energy cooperation and regional issues.
Key Points
- UAE's F-16 jets escorted PM Modi's aircraft upon entering UAE airspace.
- PM Modi is in the UAE for the first leg of his five-nation tour.
- PM Modi will meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss bilateral issues and mutual interests.
- The UAE Minister of State hailed PM Modi as a 'true treasure' and anticipates stronger trade and technology ties.
- PM Modi's five-nation tour includes visits to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
In a special gesture, a formation of F-16 fighter aircraft from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) escorted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plane when it entered the Gulf country's airspace on Friday.
"The way your air force escorted me today is an honour for the people of India. For quite some time, we had been speaking over the phone, but I was eager to meet you personally. I am very happy to meet you today," Modi told UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed during their meeting.
UAE President Receives Modi
As the aircraft carrying PM Modi entered the UAE airspace, it was met by a formation of military aircraft, the state-run WAM news agency reported.
"The squadron leader requested permission to escort the aircraft to the airport in a gesture of welcome," it added.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received PM Modi on arrival, reflecting the deep bonds of friendship shared between the two countries.
"I thank my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for the special gesture of receiving me at Abu Dhabi airport," Modi said on social media.
Modi, who arrived here on a brief visit on the first leg of his five-nation tour that also includes four European countries, was also accorded a ceremonial welcome on arrival.
UAE's High Praise for PM Modi
Earlier, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy, hailed the Prime Minister as a 'true treasure' for the leadership and people of the Emirates, stating that the bilateral relationship is poised to scale 'new mountaintops' in trade and technology.
Speaking with ANI, Al Hashimy expressed great excitement for the visit, noting that PM Modi remains a key figure in a longstanding partnership.
She said PM Modi's visit will take forward the regular high-level engagements between the two countries following the UAE President's visit to India in January and the Crown Prince's participation in the AI Summit in February.
-- with ANI inputs
