Indian PM hails role of Indian expatriates in UAE

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has hailed the role of Indian expatriates in the development of both the UAE and India, citing that some expatriates laboured, with some for 10, and others for 20 to 30 years, earning their living but at the same time making India proud of them.

Addressing the Indian expatriates yesterday at the Cricket Stadium in Dubai, he said, "Because of your talent, discipline, always India will always be proud of you."

He recalled when AB Vajpayee was the PM, India conducted the nuclear test. "The world was astonished. Some were bitter and enmity mushroomed and sanctions were put. Economic problems erupted."

Modi noted that Vajpayee asked Indians across the world to help and today "I am proud to say that Indians in the Gulf contributed the most filling the coffers then."

Referring to cosmopolitan status of Dubai, he said, "People from all over the world have found a home in Dubai. Even people from the colder chimes stay in temperatures that hover in the range of 45-50 degrees. Dubai attracts talent from all over the world."

He noted that there are more than 700 flights every week from India to the UAE. "In the world, there is no such aviation agreement like we have here. Every week, more than 700 flights arrive here."

Modi commended the reception accorded to him by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

He noted that "Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received me at the airport with all his five brothers. This warmth, love and respect will be remembered. This love, respect, is not for a person. This is a respect for 1.25 billion people, respect for the changed image of the country."

Modi thanked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his kind gesture to grant a land for the construction of a temple. "People can understand the significance of this move. This is a big gift". The remark received an applause for the Crown Prince Abu Dhabi."

He also thanked Members of Supreme Council and Their Highnesses, Rulers of Emirates. "I am thankful to the Rulers. In these two days, there is a confidence in the air, international relations are based on how articulate you are, on diplomacy, and more than this trust is above all."

In international relations, Modi continued, "trust is a big factor. In such a few hours, I can say that India and UAE are bridges of truth and we should have a foundation that is known for generations."

"I am happy that today India and the UAE issued a joint statement. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has pledged to invest 4.5 lakh crore in India," he added.

He referred to the UAE and India's resolve to fight the terrorism.

"Today the world is seeing India in a new light. The reason for this change is not Modi, but the change is because of the determination and will of 1.25 billion people," Modi said.

He added, they see an economy that is growing at a fast pace. IMF, World Bank, the whole world rating institutions have said in unison that India is developing at a fast pace among large economies.