DUBAI: Indian Top Minister Narendra Modi arrived within the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, simply weeks after a best reputable’s remarks in regards to the Prophet Mohammed spark off anger within the Gulf. Modi shared an embody with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who met the Indian chief at Abu Dhabi airport, in step with a tweet via India’s overseas ministry spokesperson. “I’m touched via the particular gesture of my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of coming to welcome me at Abu Dhabi airport. My gratitude to him,” Modi tweeted.

The only-day discuss with via Modi, who’s heading again to India after attending the G7 summit in Germany, follows protests via Gulf states previous this month after a spokesperson for his celebration made disparaging remarks in regards to the Prophet Mohammed on TV. The UAE and Saudi Arabia condemned the feedback, whilst Qatar and Kuwait summoned their Indian ambassadors. One Kuwaiti grocery store took Indian items off its cabinets.

Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Celebration suspended spokesperson Nupur Sharma over her feedback describing the Prophet Mohammed’s dating together with his youngest spouse. The remarks had been additionally blamed for clashes in India and triggered calls for for her arrest. India’s overseas minister mentioned Modi’s discuss with used to be to put across his sympathies to Sheikh Mohamed—whose brother, former president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, died in Might—and his congratulations on taking on as chief.

The 2 nations experience robust industry and cultural ties, with Indians making up 35 p.c of the UAE’s 10 million inhabitants, the most important expatriate neighborhood. India-UAE industry is valued at $59 billion, making the oil-rich Gulf nation India’s 3rd biggest buying and selling spouse for the yr 2019-20 after China and america, in step with the Indian overseas ministry.

The UAE may be India’s 3rd biggest export vacation spot, with just about $16 billion clocked in 2020-21, it added. Main exports come with petroleum merchandise, treasured metals, stones, gem stones and jewellery, minerals, meals and textiles. In February, the 2 nations signed a Complete Financial Partnership Settlement to spice up industry and funding.