Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the “Order of Zayed” on Saturday, UAE’s highest civilian award, for his efforts to boost bilateral ties between the two nations.
Several world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Queen Elizabeth II and Chinese President Xi Jinping have been honoured with the award in the past.
Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement ahead of the visit: “The award in the name of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, acquires special significance as it was awarded to Prime Minister Modi in the year of the birth centenary of Sheikh Zayed.”
India and the UAE enjoy warm, close and multi-faceted relations underpinned by cultural, religious and economic linkages which, during the prime minister’s previous visit to the UAE in August 2015, stood elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the statement added.
The award to PM Modi was announced in April this year.
India and UAE trade about US$ 60 billion and for India is UAE’s third-largest trade partner.
A 3.3 million-strong vibrant Indian population in the UAE nourishes the vibrant people-to-people contacts between our two friendly countries, the MEA said adding that PM Modi’s visit would further strengthen the friendly bilateral ties.
Source : Various