Modi in the UAE: A new chapter in bilateral relations

As it happened: Heres' our coverage of Indian Prime Minister Narendra's visit to the UAE. This is his third state visit to the UAE.

Modi was welcomed by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Modi arrived on Friday night from Paris after holding bilateral meetings in France, including a summit interaction with President Emmanuel Macron and a meeting with Prime Minister Philippe. In Paris, Modi also interacted with the Indian community in France.

What did Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi say to the Indian business community in the UAE at the launch of the RuPay card? Dr. Azad Moopen, UAE-based Indian businessman tells us.

Following the launch of RuPay in Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace, the Indian premier had a closed-door meeting with leading Indian businessmen in the UAE, during which he urged them to invest in Jammu and Kashmir, thereby creating opportunities for Kashmiris.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare, said: “It is our privilege to accept the RuPay card for all payments in our 351 establishments comprising of Aster, Medcare and Access brand of Hospitals, Clinics and Pharmacies in 6 GCC countries. We already accept RuPay in our Indian Hospitals.”

Abu Dhabi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is opening a new chapter in India-UAE relations. On Saturday, he is set to receive the UAE’s highest civilian honour on during his third official visit.

The India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that developed after his first visit in August 2015 is expanding into areas like trade, investment, energy, defence and security.

It's his third visit to the UAE. In February, he delivered the keynote speech when India was the guest of honour at the World Government Summit in Dubai in February this year.

Modi landed in the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi from Paris on Friday night. He is attending the events scheduled at the Emirates Palace Hotel and the UAE’s Presidential Palace, respectively.

Gulf News will be giving you a live coverage of his tightly packed schedule.

RuPay launch

The first event in his agenda today is the launch of RuPay card in the UAE, the first country in the Middle East to accept payments through India’s indigenous version of Mastercard and Visa.

Modi will witness the exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) between the UAE and Indian institutions implementing the payment scheme and will also make the first purchase with a RuPay card at Emirates Palace.

Business roundtable

He will also attend a business roundtable with prominent business leaders. At the Presidential Palace, the Indian premier is scheduled to be accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Guard of Honour.

Order of Zayed 

Modi is scheduled to receive the Order of Zayed from His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Mahatma Gandhi commemorative stamp

Both the leaders are scheduled to release the commemorative stamp of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary.

The leaders will hold bilateral, regional and international discussions. Modi and his delegation will leave for Bahrain following a banquet in his honour.