Modi's temple diplomacy: Inauguration of first Hindu temple in UAE on 14th

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to UAE on 13th and 14th of this month is considered temple diplomacy. Modi will inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on the 14th. Elaborate preparations are underway in the UAE and the temple. This is Modi's seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and third in eight months. Diplomatic experts say that the visit will be a milestone for cultural cooperation between India and the UAE. It is also noteworthy that Modi's visit to the Muslim nation is after the Sri Ram Temple Prana Pratishta in Ayodhya.

The Prime Minister will hold talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Matters to strengthen diplomatic cooperation will be discussed. Modi will address the World Government Summit in Dubai. Modi, who will inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in Abu Dhabi, will address the Indian community at the event at Zayed Sports City. The temple will be opened to the public on March 1.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that the bilateral relationship between the two countries had elevated to a strategic partnership after Modi's visit to the UAE in 2015. The two countries had signed a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement in February 2022. The Ministry of External Affairs also pointed out that a special mechanism has been introduced in July 2023 to encourage the use of Indian rupees and UAE dirhams for cross-border transactions.