PM Modi receives F-16 escort as he lands in UAE on first leg of five-nation tour
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UAE on Friday on the first leg of his five-nation tour, receiving a ceremonial escort from UAE F-16 fighter jets as his plane entered Emirati airspace.On arrival in Abu Dhabi, Modi was accorded a guard of honor before embarking on a high-level engagement with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation in various fields including energy, trade, investment and regional development. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the talks will also cover issues of mutual international interest.Modi’s visit to the UAE is part of an extensive five-nation tour from May 15 to May 20 that covers the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The visit aims to strengthen India’s partnership in trade, technology, clean energy, innovation and green growth.Ahead of the visit, the Federation of Indian Export Organizations described the visit as a “significant juncture” for India’s strategic and economic ties with Europe and the Gulf region.FIEO President SC Ralhan said, “The Prime Minister’s high-level engagement with the leadership of the UAE and major European countries underlines India’s growing status as a trusted economic partner and a key driver of global growth. The visit is expected to create ample opportunities for Indian exporters across sectors including engineering, clean energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, food processing, digital textile processes and digital commerce.“The exporters’ association also said that the UAE remains one of India’s most significant trade and investment partners and continues to serve as a gateway for Indian exports to West Asia and Africa.Ahead of Modi’s arrival, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimi described the prime minister as a “true treasure” for the Emirati leadership and people.Speaking to ANI, Al Hashimi said India-UAE relations are set to scale “new peaks” in trade and technology and noted that Modi’s visit will continue the momentum created by recent high-level exchanges between the two countries.After completing the UAE leg of the tour, Modi will visit the Netherlands from May 15 to 17, where he will meet Dutch Prime Minister Rob Zetten and interact with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Discussions are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defense and water management.
