India-UAE Sign LPG Deal, Defence Pacts; PM Modi's Big Announcement From Abu Dhabi Trip

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday arrived in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and met President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, regarding discussion on strategic partnership and the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia.

Did PM Modi receive guard of honour?

PM Modi on Friday reached the UAE for talks with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His plane was escorted into the country by F-16 jets, and the PM received a ceremonial guard of honour upon landing. 

Later, PM Modi met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and signed several important agreements, ranging from defense to energy. 

The main objective of this visit is to further strengthen India's trade, technology, energy and investment relations.

What did PM Modi say about war?

The Prime Minister gave his opening remarks before the bilateral talks and said that India condemns the attacks on UAE and will stand with it under all circumstances.

"We strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE and denounce the way the UAE has been targeted. This is unacceptable in any form. In these difficult circumstances, the restraint and maturity you have shown are highly commendable. We appreciate the steps taken under your leadership to maintain national unity, security and territorial integrity."

What are the main decisions in India-UAE meeting?

• An agreement was reached between India and UAE on the framework of Strategic Defence Partnership.
• India and UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
• An agreement was reached between the two countries regarding the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to set up a ship repair cluster in Vadinar, Gujarat.
• Investments worth US$5 billion were announced in Bhartiya Infrastructure, RBL Bank and Samman Capital.

What did PM Modi say about Strait Of Hormuz?

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, PM Modi said that it should be reopened as soon as possible and he also condemned the attack in the UAE. He further said that India stands with the UAE in this difficult time. 

PM Modi stressed on the early opening of the Strait of Hormuz and also reiterated that India is in favor of peace. The special thing was that as soon as it entered the UAE airspace, F-16 fighter jets of that country also escorted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plane. On reaching Abu Dhabi, he was given a guard of honor.

What is the reason of tour?

PM Modi departed on Friday for his five-nation tour, the first stop being the UAE. The tour, which runs from May 15 to 20, will take him to the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The purpose of this trip is to strengthen India's strategic partnerships in areas such as trade, technology, energy, innovation, and green growth, and to further India's growing ties with Europe and the Gulf region.