Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister who visited the UAE in 34 years. After his arrival, Modi, on first public rendezvous, he visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a key place of worship in the UAE and known as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The mosque is third largest in the world after the ones in Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia. It is named after the founder and first President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The mosque can accommodate around 40,000 people. The mosque was constructed from 1996 to 2007. The visit was very much fruitful and with constructive reasons. However, still there was no need to overplay the visit of Modi to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque by the news channels. After all, the dignitaries during their visit to foreign countries visit historic or iconic structures or monuments irrespective of the fact that they are named after different religions or cults or historic figures. The place visited by Mr. Modi is a world renowned monument; perhaps it is our narrow mindedness or short-sightedness that makes mountains out of moles. A substantial part of news report attempts to view Modi from the prism of ‘ secularism’ as perceived by many political parties and the mainstream media in India, thats trying hard till date to project Mr. Modi as non secular. He has shown by his much derided overseas visits, that each visit is focused on medium to long term investment benefits to Indian economy but also usher in an era of ‘global secularism’ in these troubled times. Without showing any hitch, Modi met with people of UAE. He is simply a shrewd business man and knows which action is in India’s favour.
This landmark and historic deed of allotting land for Temple in Abu Dhabi is a strong evidence of Trust and Mutual respect that UAE and India have for each other. This is also the forerunner of good things to come for both the countries and the vibrancy of relationship that is going to be further enhanced. Here big question is that, can Prime Minister’s visit to Abu Dhabi establish his innocence during the riots that occurred in Gujarat? He is not an anti-Muslim, as painted by the Congress and Bihar political leaders to gain more Muslim votes. The way he has been greeted by the top leaders of Abu Dhabi, tells the good name that he carries with him. People are not fools in Abu Dhabi who will be influenced by the rumours spread by the Congress. In case if a proper agreement is signed between the two countries, both of them will be benefited.
Indians have always given support to the Arab world. Even today, Indian doctors are treating patients in Arab world and engineers doing Blue collar jobs here. The UAE decided to allot land for building a temple, while there are two temples in Dubai, one of Lord Shiva and another of Krishna, there is none in Abu Dhabi. There are nearly 2.6 million Indians in the United Arab Emirates. India is friend of Arab world since Asoka era as neither ever tried to invade. Today constant development of Arab infrastructure is done by Indians and we are not looting them like western economies did. Modi’s visit is very important to counter ISIS insurgency which could affect the whole Arab world after 20-30 years hence they want support of Indian military and man power.
Since Japan is in the news from the past two weeks – Hiroshima, Nagasaki and 70th Anniversary of the end of WWII, apology/no apology; prompts one to ponder viz. Japan which devastated many countries and finally found itself devastated and ended up literally to ‘Ground Zero’ level, had managed to recover, stand on its feet and rebuild the country (they have no natural resources) to what it is today, poses a question: did their leader/s then went about asking for money with the outside world (post-war period) for development ? It is told, once their feet were firm, established in 50s the ‘Overseas Development Agency’ to help other countries in need. India happened to be the first recipient country and we continue to be one with open arms till this day.
Moreover, so far wherever Modi visited he spoke about development, investment opportunities, country’s progress, people’s welfare, peace and leadership. He brings back the investments. He is one of the rarest gems. He is not like other ministers and dignitaries who used the foreign visits only for their personal betterment. This endeavour of Modi should be appreciated and supported by all Indians.
