Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the Indian diaspora at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. About 50,000 Indian expatriates had registered for ‘Marhaba Namo’ — a grand public reception held for the visiting Prime Minister.
Mr. Modi kicked off day two of his UAE trip by visiting Masdar City, a hub of cleantech and S&T innovation. He also met with a delegation of investors immediately after Masdar.
The reception, which is being touted as another Madison Square-like event, was hailed as unprecedented in the history of the UAE where for the first time a visiting head of state has been allowed a reception on this scale. The cultural programme featured 35 international artistes who have been flown down especially for the event.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and signed in the visitor's book, saying, "It (the mosque) will serve to remind generations about the extraordinary vision and leadership of the president of UAE, his highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan AL Nahyan."
He also interacted with Indian workers at the ICAD Residential Labour Camp, which houses thousands of migrant labourers from the Indian subcontinent.
Live updates:
10:30 pm: PM Narendra Modi concludes his speech.
10:25 pm: Govt. of India has launched an e-migrate portal named 'Madad' to address your grievances: Modi
10:19 pm: We work, not with arrogance of being big but we work shoulder to shoulder with everyone towards development: Modi
10:16 pm: Our effort has been to take India to new heights of progress and maintain strong friendship with our neighbouring countries: Modi
10:14 pm: Good Taliban, Bad Taliban...Good Terror, Bad Terror...this wont work. A decision has to be taken. Are you with terrorism or with humanity: Modi
10:09 pm: All those who are on the path of violence should shun it and come to the national mainstream. Violence will do no good to anybody: Modi
10:08 pm: Time has come for a decisive fight against terrorism, says Modi
10:07 pm: World has to decide whether they are with those sponsoring terrorism or against it: Modi
10:02 pm: World needs to unite and fight against terrorism: Modi
9:57 pm: We have been victims of terrorism for 40 years. Innocent people have lost their lives: PM
9:57 pm: When there are efforts towards Skill Development, Digital India then it is natural for the world to come to India: PM
9:54 pm: We started 'Make in India'. We are asking the world to come and make in India...there are many opportunities: PM
9:53 pm: The Crown Prince supports India’s position on terror: Modi
9:52 pm: The way the world is seeing India has changed. And what is the reason — the reason is the 125 crore people of India: Modi
9:50 pm: Those who perpetrate terror must get a message: Modi
9:46 pm: Those who indulge in terror must be punished and this is the message that has resonated from here today: Modi
9:45 pm: Mr. Modi asks the gathering to give a standing ovation to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
9:44 pm: Extremely grateful to Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Emirates and the UAE rulers, says PM Modi
9:38 pm: Dubai is not only mini India, it is mini world: Modi
9:37 pm: There are 700 flights between India and Dubai but it took 34 years for an Indian PM to come here: Modi
9:31 pm: People from Kerala are there in large numbers. And I am specially talking about them due to the New Year festival today: Modi
9:29 pm: Imagine the strength shown, the magnetic power that has drawn the world here: Modi
9:26 pm: Responding to Atal ji 's call, the role played by those working in the Gulf was exemplary: Modi
9:25 pm: Sanctions were put on India. That time, Vajpayee ji had asked Indians all over the world to help the nation: Modi
9:24 pm: When Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji was he PM, India had conducted nuclear tests and the world was shocked. Many were even angry: PM
9:23 pm: You are those people who have worked hard and are working here for many years. At the same time you are enhancing India's pride: Modi
9:22 pm: I'm seeing a mini India before me: Modi
9:21 pm : Modi begins his speech with 'Bharat mata ki Jai'
9:20 pm: Modi arrives at the venue.
09:02 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the Indian diaspora at around 2130 IST.
09:00 pm: Indian diaspora have gathered in large numbers at Dubai Cricket stadium to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
8:30 pm: The UAE is the top destination globally for Indian migrants, with over 2.8 million Indians living there according to UN estimates. >Full story
7:01 pm: >Joint Statement between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of India
7:00 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked His Highness the Crown Prince for his decision to allot land for construction of a temple in Abu Dhabi.
6:59 pm: Prime Minister also thanked UAE for its strong support to the International Day of Yoga on June 21
6:58 pm: Prime Minister thanks UAE for supporting India to get permanent membership.
6:57 pm: Both the countries will promote cooperation in space, including in joint development & launch of satellites.
6:56 pm: Both nations have agreed to set a revised target of increasing trade by 60 per cent in the next five years.
6:55 pm: India and UAE to establish UAE-India Infra Investment Fund of $75 billion
Joint Statement between >#IndiaUAE signed in Abu Dhabi. >#Breakthrough element on resolution of int'l disputes >pic.twitter.com/QGXbxFcwKh
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >August 17, 20156:54 pm: India welcomes UAE’s decision to participate in International Fleet Review in India in 2016.
6: 53 pm: India and UAE will promote collaboration & inter-operabilty for humanitarian assistance & evacuation in natural disasters & conflict situations.
6:52 pm: India and UAE will cooperate to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and Indian Ocean Region
6:50 pm: India and UAE will establish a dialogue between their National Security Advisers & their National Security Councils. NSAs will meet every 6 months
6: 49 pm: India and UAE to promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention of use of cyber for terrorism radicalisation and disturbing social harmony
6:47 pm: India and UAE will strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, extradition arrangements, tweets MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup
6: 42 pm: India and the UAE decide to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity-building.
6:40 pm: Both countries call on all states to dismantle terrorism infrastructure where it exists and bring perpetrators of terror to justice.
6:32 pm: India and the UAE condemn efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries.
6:30 pm: India and the UAE denounce and oppose terrorism in all forms and manifestations, says the joint statement issued by both the nations.
'Science is life' wrote PM >@narendramodi at Masdar City. >pic.twitter.com/cYI5PMRWW3
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) >August 17, 201512: 20 p.m.: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a tour of the Masdar City, a hub of cleantech and science and technology innovation, here on the second day of his two-day UAE visit. >Full report
11.50 a.m: Country has got a decisive and stable government. We need to erase the deficit of 34 years: PM
11.48 a.m.: Today there is a immediate possibility of one trillion dollars of investment in India, yes one trillion dollars, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nistula Hebbar reports. > Read more
11.47 a.m.: " In the agriculture sector we need cold storage network and warehousing network where UAE businesses have another advantage."
11.46 a.m.: Infrastructure development and real estate offer tremendous opportunities for UAE businesses in India. I will send my Commerce Minister to try and find solutions to the problems faced by some UAE investors: PM
11.45 a.m.: We have got legacy problems; Priority to kickstart things that were stalled due to indecisiveness, lethargy of past governments: PM.
11.44. a.m.: "India has never tapped the potential of tourism, there is a lot of possibility in hospitality industry."
11.42 a.m.: We want to construct 50 million low cost houses in 7 years in India, Prime Minister Modi tells investors.
11.40 a.m.: India's growth potential and UAE's strength together can make this Asia's century: PM.
(A Who's-Who of UAE Business. UAE and Indian industrialists come together to meet PM Modi. Pictures by MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup)
11.35 a.m: We want technology, speed and quality construction when it comes to housing. Low cost housing is very important for us, says the Prime Minister.
11.30 a.m.: I was told about some problems being faced...want to assure we are solving these problems: PM
11.25 a.m: It is now commonly believed that India is one of the fastest growing economies. All leading institutions like IMF, World Bank and Moody's agree that India is world's fastest growing economy. There are several opportunities of development in India: PM
11.15 a.m: "I feel India is a land of many opportunities. 125 crore people of India are not a market but they are a source of great strength."
11.10 a.m.: PM Modi addresses the investors, saying, "There are 700 flights btw India & U.A.E but it took 34 years for an Indian PM to visit. I promise this will not happen again."
11.00 a.m.: PM Modi meets a delegation of investors.The agenda is to promote India as an investment destination.
(Picture by @PMOIndia)
10.40 a.m.: PM digitally signs in his message in the visitors' book at Masdar.
'Science is life' wrote PM >@narendramodi at Masdar City. >pic.twitter.com/cYI5PMRWW3
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) >August 17, 201510.31 a.m.: PM Modi spends his morning at Masdar, taking a tour of the city. Masdar is the hub of cleantech and S&T innovation, says MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup . The Prime Minister discussed urban development and next generation urban spaces at Masdar. > Read more.
> Watch PM Modi's visit to Masdar City.
(Pictures by MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup)
10.15 a.m.: The Prime Minister makes a statement with his visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Nistula Hebbar writes. > Read more.
August 16, 2015
10:43 p.m.: A long wait for the Indian community ends. On the occasion of PM's visit, UAE Govt decides to allot land for building a temple in Abu Dhabi: MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup
9.00 p.m.: PM Narendra Modi interacts with Indian workers, at ICAD Residential City (Abu Dhabi).
(Photo tweeted by MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup)
8.45 p.m.: PM Modi closes his visit to the mosque with a selfie. > Read more.
(Photo tweeted by MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup)
8.35 p.m.: PM Narendra Modi signs in the Visitors Book at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
I am delighted to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This magnificent place of worship strikes you with its size and beauty. It brings together exquisite skills and creations from around the world, and serves as a fine example of human achievements and unity. I am confident it will be a symbol of peace, piety, harmony and inclusiveness that are inherent to the faith of Islam. It will also serve to remind generations about the extraordinary vision and leadership of the president of UAE, his highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan AL Nahyan.
8.30 p.m.: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
>@PMOIndia at Sheikh Zayed Mosque >@the_hindu>pic.twitter.com/xEg3qXS4qS
— Nistula Hebbar (@nistula) >August 16, 2015
7.45 p.m. : Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi shortly.
6.45 p.m.: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country has always abided by the principle of non-interference in other nations and has consistently supported dialogue as a means to resolve all issues. > Read more
6.30 p.m.: As PM Modi settles down in his hotel room, B. R. Shetty, one of the richest Indians in UAE pays him a visit, reports Nistula Hebbar.
Mr Shetty runs a business of money transfer exchanges called UAE Exchange and owns Neo Pharma. He helped re-employ Indian nurses who had to leave strife torn Libya.
5.00 p.m.: In a significant gesture, the five brothers of Crown Prince Nahyan are also present to receive the PM, according to Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Vikas Swarup. The usual protocol is for the Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah to receive dignitaries.
For Crown Prince and his five brothers to receive a dignitary is a rare gesture reflecting imp attached to PM's visit >pic.twitter.com/XanmBMd7KY
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >August 16, 20154.55 p.m.: The last dignitary to be received by the Crown Prince, who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at the airport was the King of Morocco in May this year, reports PTI. > Read more.
4.45 p.m: PM Narendra Modi tweets saying he is very optimistic about this visit.
Hello UAE. I am very optimistic about this visit. I am confident the outcomes of the visit will boost India-UAE ties >pic.twitter.com/50b4atyIZP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >August 16, 2015
4.35 p.m.: Crown Prince of UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan gives a grand, ceremonial welcome to PM, breaking protocol.
Traditional Arab hospitality from the start! PM received by Crown Prince HH Sheikh Mohd bin Zayed Al Nahyan >pic.twitter.com/pXRQEjsUXD
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >August 16, 20154.30 p.m.: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Abu Dhabi. He is the first Indian PM to visit UAE in over three decades.
2.45 p.m.: The Indian diaspora is excited about the PM Modi's much awaited visit. The community mostly feels that this visit will open areas for investment in both the countries. Expat Indians hoped that something beneficial will come for them.
2 p.m.: Tickets for the Dubai Community Reception:
1.45 p.m.: "The Gulf region is vital for India's economic, energy and security interests," Mr. Modi said in an interview to Khaleej Times Newspaper. > Read more
1.40 p.m.: 'UAE is a mini India, both countries are pluralistic societies', tells Gulf newspapers Khaleej Times.
1.30 p.m.: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Abu Dhabi on a two-day visit to the nation.
1.29 p.m.: During his visit, first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years, Mr. Modi will seek to enhance cooperation in energy and trade and reach out to investors to hardsell India as an attractive business destination. > Read more.
Nistula Hebbar tweeted this photo of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque where Mr. Modi will visit on Sunday.
1.25 p.m.: Apart from talks with the Crown Prince, Mr. Modi will visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a key place of worship and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture here. Constructed between 1996 and 2007, the mosque can accommodate around 40,000 people. > Read more.
1.24 p.m.: Mr. Modi will visit the ICAD Residential Labour Camp, housing migrant labourers from the Indian subcontinent in their thousands in one square kilometre. Security agencies of both nations have cleared a select group of 300 migrant workers to interact with him in a modest 20X40-metre sports hall on the premises. Mr. Modi will be addressing about 50,000 Indians at the Dubai Cricket Stadium tomorrow. > Read more.
