Modi in UAE: Slams Attacks, Vows India's Aid for Middle East Peace

Touching down in Abu Dhabi as part of his multi-country itinerary, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. The trip's first stop featured bilateral discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, culminating in the signing of several MoUs, notably on strategic petroleum storage. In delegation-level parleys, Modi highlighted the symbolic escort by UAE fighter jets, interpreting it as respect for India's 3.5 million-strong diaspora. He extended thanks for UAE's solidarity with Indians hit by natural calamities. Addressing the volatile Middle East landscape, the PM issued a firm condemnation of attacks targeting UAE assets. Such targeting is utterly unacceptable, he declared, lauding the UAE's composed leadership and proactive measures for national security and regional wholeness. Modi warned of the worldwide fallout from West Asian hostilities, reiterating India's preference for negotiation over confrontation. Safeguarding the Hormuz Strait's openness under international norms remains paramount. 'India is resolutely beside the UAE and ready to extend comprehensive support for rapid peace restoration,' he affirmed. Posting on X, Modi wrote: 'Thank you, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, for the heartfelt welcome at Abu Dhabi airport. Excited for our talks to strengthen India-UAE collaboration in energy, investments, and supply chains.' As tensions simmer, this engagement signals robust India-UAE alignment, promising bolstered ties in energy security and beyond.