Narendra Modi UAE Visit Highlights: ‘UPI payment to begin in UAE soon,’ announces PM

PM Modi greets the Indian diaspora as he leaves after addressing the 'Ahlan Modi' event at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Addressing the Indian diaspora during the 'Ahlan Modi' event, PM announces that UPI payment to begin in UAE soon. "It will make seamless payments between India and UAE accounts possible," he adds.

Pointing out that over 1.5 lakh Indian students are studying in UAE schools, PM Modi says that a new CBSE office will be opened soon in Dubai.

"More than 1.5 lakh Indian students are studying in UAE schools... Master's course was started at the IIT Delhi campus here last month and a new CBSE office will be opened soon in Dubai. These institutions will be helpful in providing the best education to the Indian community here," the prime minister says.

At the diaspora event, PM Modi says that the achievement of India belongs to every Indian across the globe. “I have full confidence in every Indian's strength,” he adds.

In his speech, Prime Minister Modi took a moment to reflect on his inaugural visit to the UAE in 2015, recalling the warmth and camaraderie extended to him by the Emirati leadership.

Reminiscing on his first official visit to the UAE, PM Modi said: “I remember my first visit in 2015 when it had been only some time since I came to the Centre. It was the first visit of an Indian PM to the UAE, after three decades. The world of diplomacy was new to me.” Read more.

Addressing the Indian diaspora, PM Modi says that relations between India and UAE have reached unprecedented heights. “We are partners in each others' progress,” he says.

"In 2015, when I presented to him (Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed) the proposal to build a temple in Abu Dhabi on behalf of all of you, he immediately said yes to it...now the time has come to inaugurate this grand (BAPS) temple," PM Modi says.

The prime minister will inaugurate the BAPS Mandir tomorrow.

PM Modi thanks UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for warmth and hospitality extended to him.

"You have created a new history in Abu Dhabi. You have come from all corners of UAE, and different states of India, but hearts of everyone are connected," PM Modi says while addressing the Indian diaspora at 'Ahlan Modi' event in Abu Dhabi, according to PTI.

He adds: “Let us collect the memories which will be with me and you for the entire life. I have come to meet my family members today.”

Addressing the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Today in Abu Dhabi, you have created a new history. You have come here from all corners of the UAE and different states of India. But everyone's heart is connected. At this historic stadium, every heartbeat, every breath, every voice says - Long live India-UAE friendship..."

Amid chants of ‘Modi, Modi’, PM Narendra Modi is addressing the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi at the Zayed Sports Stadium.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the 'Ahlan Modi' event. He will address the Indian diaspora shortly.

PM Narendra Modi will shortly address the Indian diaspora at Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met members of the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi.

“Incredibly honoured by the warm welcome from the Indian Community in Abu Dhabi today. The vibrancy of our diaspora never ceases to amaze me,” he wrote on X.

A large number of people are present at the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi for PM Modi's 'Ahlan Modi' event. The prime minister will address the Indian diaspora shortly, reports ANI.

A member of the Indian diaspora in UAE tells ANI: "I have come here from Dubai to meet PM Modi. We are very happy. We have brought Ramcharitmanas, if we get a chance we will gift it to PM Modi...The construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya would not have been possible without PM Modi, so we thank him…"

On the 'Ahlan Modi' event, Maria, a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community tells ANI: "...Dawoodi Bohras across the world are known for their patriotism. And we are here for Mr Modi. We are very, very happy that he is in our place – Abu Dhabi..."

Several key MoUs/agreements on investment, connectivity, fintech, digital, and culture among others were signed during the bilateral meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

UK MP Priti Patel lauded the 'Ahlan Modi' event being held in UAE on Tuesday. She said "...I am here at this great celebration for PM Modi, here in Abu Dhabi. This is a wonderful opportunity, a celebration of our culture here in Abu Dhabi. By being here today, I am able to share some of this with my friends, and our diaspora community in the UK..."

Here is the full list of agreements signed between India and UAE on Tuesday, according to press release from the ministry of external affairs.

· Bilateral Investment Treaty: This agreement will be a key enabler for further promoting investments in both countries. India has signed both a Bilateral Investment Treaty and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE.

· MoU on cooperation in the field of electrical interconnection and trade: This opens new areas of collaboration in the field of energy, including energy security and energy trade.

· An Intergovernmental Framework Agreement between India and UAE on the India- Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor : This would build on previous understandings and cooperation on this matter and foster India and the UAE cooperation furthering regional connectivity.

· MoU on cooperation in Digital Infrastructure Projects: This will create a framework for a wide ranging cooperation, including investment cooperation, in the digital infrastructure sector and also facilitate sharing of technical knowledge, skills and expertise.

· Cooperation protocol between the National Archives of the two countries: This protocol will shape extensive bilateral cooperation in this field including restoration and preservation of archival material.

· MoU for cooperation in the field of heritage and museums: This would foster engagement between the two countries aimed at supporting of the Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.

· Agreement on interlinking of the instant payment platforms - UPI (India) and AANI (UAE): This will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. This follows the MoU on interlinking payment and messaging systems signed in July last year during Hon’ble PM’s visit to Abu Dhabi.

· Agreement on inter-linking domestic debit/credit cards - RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE): An important step in building financial sector cooperation, this will enhance the universal acceptance of RuPay across the UAE.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted members of the Indian diaspora gathered at a hotel in Abu Dhabi. He will address the diaspora during the 'Ahlan Modi' event on Tuesday.

Members of the Indian diaspora await PM Modi's arrival at the hotel where the PM will be staying during his visit to Abu Dhabi, reports ANI. See the video.

On Tuesday, PM Modi was welcomed by UAE President upon his arrival in the country at Abu Dhabi airport. Modi took to X(formerly Twitter) and shared pictures of the moment.

On Tuesday, during his UAE visit, PM Modi introduced UPI RuPay card service in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During his meeting with UAE President on Tuesday, PM Narendra Modi said, "The construction of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) temple here would not have been possible without your support..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate UAE's first Hindu temple on Wednesday.