Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will be inaugurating the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) on January 10, is in Ahmedabad even as preparations for the two-day summit to be held until January 12 have begun. The most anticipated visit during the summit is that of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, popularly known as MBZ. The Indian PM has made a special mention of the visit of MBZ to Gujarat and referred to him as ‘my brother’. Modi went on to add that the visit of MBZ is ‘very special’.

Modi, while announcing his visit to Gujarat, posted on X, “Landed in Ahmedabad a short while ago. Over the next two days, will be taking part in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and related programmes. It is a matter of immense joy that various world leaders will be joining us during this Summit. The coming of my brother, His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed is very special. I have a very close association with the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and I am glad to see how this platform has contributed to Gujarat’s growth and created opportunities for several people.”

The UAE President is expected to arrive in Ahmedabad later in the evening. Modi is expected to be at the airport to receive MBZ as a special gesture and from there, the two leaders will hold a roadshow for which extensive security arrangements have been put in place.

The presence of MBZ for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit is yet another indication of how the bilateral relationship between India and the UAE has grown in the last few years. Both leaders share an excellent chemistry and their personal commitment has also seen the ties grow in strength. The visit of MBZ is taking place even as the world grapples with a war-like situation in Gaza. The visit also indicates how both India and the UAE have been able to keep their ties strong during such tense and trying times.

The President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi arrived in Gujarat earlier today to attend the Summit. He was received at the airport by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel. Various world leaders, industry leaders and leading policy makers are expected to attend the VGGS.

Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, and CEOs of top global corporations during his three-day visit to Gujarat from January 8 to 10, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a release.

This is the 10th edition of VGGS and the theme this year is ‘Gateway to the Future’. This edition will celebrate “20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success”. There are 34 partner countries and 16 partner organisations for this year’s Summit. – The writer is Executive Editor of Nrifocus.com