Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the Vibrant Global Gujarat Summit (VGGS) on January 10. The President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, popularly known as MBZ, also addressed the Summit today. Reportedly, it is rare for MBZ to address public forums and today’s gesture signifies the importance of his visit here and of the friendly ties between India and the UAE.

MBZ posted on X: “”Today I participated in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in India, alongside leaders and officials from around the world. The UAE firmly believes in the power of building bridges of cooperation to promote economic growth, and fostering international collaboration to address global challenges and help achieve stability and prosperity for all.”

Modi posted a warm message on X which read: “My Brother HH@MohamedBinZayed has not only graced the @VibrantGujarat Summit but also spoke at the Summit. His remarks were extremely encouraging. India cherishes his thoughts and his efforts to boost India-UAE ties.”

The UAE President met the Indian Prime Minister before the formal inauguration of the Summit in Gandhinagar. The two leaders shook hands as they exchanged greetings minutes before the summit commenced.

Even though several world leaders, industry captains and leading policy makers are present at the Gujarat Summit, it would not be wrong to say that the presence of MBZ is the most significant. To underscore the point, the Indian PM last evening made a special gesture of receiving him at the Ahmedabad airport with a warm hug. The UAE President was later accorded a Guard of Honour and the two leaders then drove out from the airport to witness an impressive road show.

It is also pertinent to note here that the two leaders held bilateral discussions last evening and several MoUs were signed. India and the UAE signed MoUs on investment cooperation in renewable energy sectors, innovative healthcare projects, food park development and on creating sustainable, green and efficient ports. Both India and the UAE are making rapid strides in their economic and strategic partnership.

In their 4th meeting in less than seven months, the leaders hailed the rapidly transforming India-UAE partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to a shared and prosperous future, said the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs in India. – The writer is Executive Editor of Nrifocus.com