With terror and investments high on his agenda for talks with the UAE leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today began his two-day trip to this strategic Gulf nation with a visit to the historic Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque, the world's third largest.
Within hours of his arrival in the UAE's capital, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years, Modi went around the mosque's 180,000 sq ft courtyard, with its exquisite floral design. It is considered to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world.
The Prime Minister, wearing a cream-coloured kurta with a white and orange stole, went around the mosque built at an estimated cost of USD 545 million, evincing interest at the imposing 82 domes in seven sizes located inside the worshipping place.
"I am delighted to visit this magnificent place of worship, strikes with its size and beauty. It brings together requisite skills and creation from around the world and serves as a fine example of human achievement and unity. I am confident that it will be a symbol of peace, piety, harmony and inclusiveness that are inherent to the faith of Islam," Modi wrote on the visitor's book.
Modi was earlier warmly received by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi along with his five brothers at the airport, in a departure from protocol. The last dignitary to be received by him was the King of Morocco in May this year.
Clearly indicating his agenda for talks with the leadership tomorrow, Modi said in an interview to Khaleej Times that he wanted to see the UAE as India's foremost partner in trade and in countering terrorism, noting that both countries have a range of common security and strategic concerns in the region, including extremism.
"We have a range of common security and strategic concerns in the region, including terrorism and extremism. So India and UAE have everything to be a top priority for each other. This is the way I look at the UAE. The Gulf region is vital for India's economic, energy and security interests," he said.
