Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the Middle East conflict and thanked the country for protecting Indian nationals during the crisis.
The PM landed at the presidential airport at Abu Dhabi on Friday and was received by UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour.
After entering UAE’s airspace, PM Modi’s aircraft was escorted by F16 fighter jets of that country, News18 reported.
The Prime Minister is on a six-day visit to the UAE, and four European nations – the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
The PM condemned the recent Iranian attacks on the country during during delegation-level talks with Nahyan, acknowledging how the UAE took care of stranded Indians during the conflict, expressing New Delhi’s support for Abu Dhabi.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate you on taking our partnership to new heights. India stands shoulder to shoulder with the UAE and will continue to stand with it in the future as well”, PM Modi said.
PM Modi called the attacks “unacceptable” and added: “The way the UAE was targeted is unacceptable in any manner. You showed remarkable patience in these difficult circumstances. During the tough times, you took care of the Indians living in the UAE as if they were your own family. I am grateful to you.”
Earlier in the day, Oman had condemned the drone strike on an Indian cargo ship near Oman that caused it to catch fire and capsized on Thursday.
The Prime Minister’s tour to bolster bilateral relations comes at a time when the world is facing heightened geopolitical tensions and an energy crisis due to the war.
His trip to the UAE also follows Abu Dhabi’s exit from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a major grouping of the world’s top oil exporters.
PM Modi will depart the UAE on Friday itself and reach the the Netherlands, where he will stay from May 15 to 17. He will visit Sweden from May 17 to 18, Norway from May 18 to 19, and wrap up his tour in Italy from May 19 to 20.
