PM launches 1st Hindu temple project, addresses Indian diaspora in Dubai
Abu Dhabi/New Delhi: A day after the historic visit to Palestine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple project, the first Hindu temple to be built in Abu Dhabi.
The Prime Minister who arrived in Abu Dhabi from Jordan on the second leg of his three-nation tour on Saturday, was received by Mohammed Bin Zayed and other members of the Royal family.
Modi is visiting the United Arab Emirates for the second time after his 2015 trip to the country.
Addressing the Indian Diaspora at Dubai Opera, Modi thanked Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on behalf of 125 crore Indians for the grand temple which will be constructed in the capital of UAE.
He also thanked the gulf countries for providing home-like environment to almost 30 lakh Indians.
The Prime Minister also assured the Indian community that the both the governments will work together to bring to reality their dreams in UAE and in India.
PM Modi further said India's relations with the UAE was much more than that of a buyer and a seller as he hailed the country's growing ties with the Gulf countries as "deep, broad and vibrant."
Also read: India, UAE ink 5 pacts as Modi meets Abu Dhabi crown prince
Speaking on India's achievement in the economy sector, Modi said India's jump in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Rankings from 142 to 100 was unprecedented.
Modi also hailed his government's bold decisions like demonetisation and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Earlier on Sunday, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the two sides signed five agreements including a historic pact awarding a consortium of Indian oil companies a 10 per cent stake in an offshore oilfield in UAE.
To deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of finance, an MoU between Bombay Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange was also signed. It aims at enhancing cooperation between both the countries in financial services industry.
The MoU would facilitate investment in financial markets by investors from both the countries.
(With PTI inputs)
