Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned home after yet another one of his power-packed tours to nations that have been overlooked by India in the past. Every one of the PM's tours have been fodder to the critics, the internet, and the skeptics. Jokes of him being on “flight mode” circulate social media every time he sets off on a foreign visit. What is not noticed, is the leader's profitable emphasis to reduce gaps in India's engagement with the outside world.
A pakka Gujarati he is called. After all, a true businessman does not wait for business to come to him, he goes seeking for it. Similarly, all of Modi's visits have two things in common- renewed alignments, and investment opportunities. This time, a four-day visit took him to Jordan, Palestine, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.His February 9 to 12 tour was nothing short of historic. He extended his hand, and the Middle East willingly embraced it. The entire tour once again brought NaMo to the limelight, a place Modi calls home.
Jordan
The transit to Palestine brought Modi to the first leg of his tour, Jordan greeted him with enthusiasm. After all, isn't the prospective new leader of the third world- Modi a bearer of good news and new business? Modi met with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, who described the meet as a beginning of a new chapter in bilateral ties. Their talks covered topics like the Palestinian cause, and Jordan's role in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. The King also highlighted the key role played by India in promoting security, stability and fighting terrorism. The meet, which also saw Acting Prime Minister Mamdouh Abbadi in attendance, was focused on coordination and consultation between the two countries in different fields.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar tweeted, “The Prime Minister expressed sincere thanks for logistical support extended for smooth facilitation for his Palestine visit.” Modi's visit to Amman was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years, and needless to say, it was fruitful.
Palestine
Next, Modi met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to make an official visit to the country. He was rendered a red carpet welcome in an official ceremony at the presidential compound, called Muqata'a. India has historically been a strong supporter of the Palestinians, establishing ties with the Palestine Liberation Organisation in the 1970s, recognising the 'State of Palestine' in 1988, and sending millions of dollars in aid to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Eventhough the country sees India's growing relationship with Israel, officials believe it will not compromise India's support to their issue.
In his meeting with Abbas, the two leaders discussed the full potential and range of ties between both the countries, after which, they signed six agreements worth around $50 million including a $30 million super speciality hospital in BeitSahur. Three agreements were made in the education sector worth $5 million, and one MoU for procurement of equipment and machinery for the National Printing Press, and one for construction of a centre for empowering women were signed. Speaking at a joint press conference with Abbas, Modi said, “Palestine and India enjoy strong, historic relations that have withstood the test of time, and our support for the Palestinian issue has become a fixed element of our foreign policy.” Abbas meanwhile, acknowledged that the Indian leadership has always stood by peace in Palestine.
Abbas also conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine on Modi in recognition of his key contribution to promote ties between India and Palestine. The honour is of the highest order given to foreign dignitaries, including kings and heads of governments. Modi accepted the respect, saying bestowing the honour on him was a matter of proud moment for India.
Modi also visited the West Bank, without travelling to Israel, a gesture to show his policy to “de-hyphenate” India’s relations with Israel and the Palestinians. In his visit to West Bank, he laid a wreath on the tomb of former PA president and PLO chairman Yasser Arafat. He also toured the Yasser Arafat Museum. “At Abu Ammar’s tomb, I had the opportunity to pay my respects. He was one of the great leaders of our time,” Modi said.
UAE
For ages, Indians have migrated to the Gulf for business. Survived their strict rules, conditions, and in more cases than one, atrocities, for the sole reason of financial growth. Ironically, the Indian PM is now luring all of the profits back home. Modi's second visit to the country, he did a lot more this time, than give a fiery speech. In one of UAE's gestures to welcome NaMo, Dubai's iconic skyscraper Burj Khalifa lit up in the colours of the Indian flag. The Indian tricolour was displayed every hour for UAE residents to admire, during Modi's visit.
Modi met UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and discussed different ways to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, and people-to-people contacts. He was also called upon by business leaders from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where he shared his vision of a “new India”. Modi also met Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sapar Isakov on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai.
On day two of his visit, he arrived in capital Abu Dhabi, and held wide-ranging talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both the sides signed five agreements, including a historic pact awarding a 10 per cent stake in offshore oil concession to a consortium of Indian oil companies. Earlier, Modi had addressed Dubai's Indian community at the Dubai Opera House, with expats calling it a historic occasion. In a joint statement held by both the countries, an intention to hold the first-ever joint naval exercises was stated. This visit highlighted Modi's stress on his Look West policy.
Not only does the Gulf Cooperation Council hold strategic and commercial importance for India, the leader's vision of SAGAR demands strong partnerships. Not to forget, India's gradual emergence as an important market for Gulf oil economies. One of the most iconic moments of the visit was however, Modi witnessing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the first Hindu temple in capital Abu Dhabi. (Details on Page 17).
Oman
Modi arrived to the Sultanate on a two-day visit, and was received by His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers. He held talks with the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said Al Said, discussing measures to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence, security, food security, and regional issues. Ruler of the nation since the early 1970s, Sultan Said is a student of former President Shankar Dayal Sharma in Pune. Both the sides signed eight agreements, including pacts on cooperation in defence, health, and tourism.One of the agreements now allows the Indian navy to use facilities at Duqm port in Oman. The port will act as India's entry point for wider West Asia and Eastern Africa, a development that is welcome in light of China's strategic assets in the Indian Ocean region.
They also signed an MoU on legal and judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special, service and official passports, and an MoU on cooperation in the field of health, tourism, and peaceful uses of outer space. An agreement on cooperation between Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, India and Oman's Diplomatic Institute, was also signed.
On the second day, he addressed the Indian diaspora at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat. He said ties between both the countries have always remained strong despite the ups and downs in political environment.
