Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the inauguration of Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple. This visit comes as Modi seeks to enhance his global statesmanship ahead of the upcoming general elections in India. However, back home in India, there are concerns among Muslims who feel marginalized and threatened by the Hindu nationalist policies of Modi's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Modi's visit to the UAE marks his seventh trip to the country since 2015, highlighting the significance of the bilateral relationship. The UAE is a key economic partner for India, with a bilateral trade volume of around $90 billion. In 2022, the two countries signed a free trade agreement, further strengthening their ties. Additionally, the UAE is the fourth-largest investor in India.