As expected, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit received an overwhelming response from both the UAE government and expatriate Indians. After all it was the first visit of Indian PM in 34 years. While Terror, Dawood and Investment were on the PM’s agenda, the UAE government graciously allotted land for a first ever temple in Abu Dhabi and promised an investigation into the real estate and other dealings of Dawood Ibrahim by proxy in the UAE. Subsequently, addressing nearly 50000 Indian expatriates on the 17th of August at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, Modi described UAE as a mini India – There are more than 2.6 million Indians in the UAE – and said that Indians have played a major role in the success and development of UAE. In fact many industries, banking businesses, retail and construction empires are managed and supported by Indians and the PM’s visit had a visible impact on all of them.
Many NRI’s here spoke to Newskarnataka.com on the PM’s visit and its outcomes Here’s what they had to say
Sarvottam Shetty- Sirin Automobiles (Abu Dhabi)
Bilateral communication between India and UAE is very important because 2.6 million Indians are living in the UAE. NRI’s have the same right as an Indian resident to decide their country’s progress. Mr. Modi should be concentrating on the following issues so that every NRI will get their Indian rights even though they are away from their country.
Firstly, a large number of youth and working community of India is working abroad. If the NRI community is provided with voting rights it will create historic changes in Indian politics.
Some of the other facilities that are required by Non- resident Indians are insurance schemes for NRI laborers, free airline tickets to facilitate flying home the bodies of dear ones, reasonable flight tickets to travel to gulf countries including additional flights during holiday season and education benefits for NRI students in India.
Apart from the above concerns, I congratulate Abu Dhabi Royal family and Mr. Modi for announcing the availability of a place to build a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi which was a dream of the Hindu Indian community.
Valerian Dalmaida-Chartered Accountant (Abu Dhabi)
UAE is India’s 3rd largest trading partner. PM Modi’s visit to UAE strengthens the relationship between the two countries.
In the global market the oil prices are very low. India is the main importer for Crude oil and UAE is leading in crude oil exporting. It will be a really great deal if India signs a long term contract with UAE to get crude oil from UAE for the next few years.
As India is showing great rise in its development, UAE and the Indian community of UAE should come forward to invest in Indian infrastructure, energy and other resources. It will really give good returns compared to others when investments are made in India.
Sateesha Venkataramana- Chilly Willy Food Products (Dubai)
As a big fan of Mr. Modi, I hearty congratulate our beloved PM for his visit to UAE. I have extended my whole hearted support to this visit. Chilly Willy sponsored 16000 cans of coconut water for the public gathering as a symbol of this support.
As a common man, I expect safety, rights of the Indian constitution and health assurance from the Indian Govt when we return to India. As a businessman, I request the Honorable PM Modi to provide a single window system in India as to complete all formalities related to business trade between India and UAE.
Also good roads, improvised and International standard port facilities will really help to increase or develop business relations between India and UAE. It will also encourage businessmen to make more investments in India.
Sujith Shetty – Contract manager – DSOA
Modi’s visit to UAE is real visionary thinking. It’s a proud moment to see that our leader visited UAE. It has given confidence to common people who are working in UAE. This visit will boost economic ties of both the countries as well. For the businessmen, it is a ray of hope to extend their businesses back to India which will improve the Indian economy. It’s a great feeling that after a long time we are witnessing a visionary leader.
Rajesh – Sales executive (Abu Dhabi)
I would like to ask our community leaders to request the Indian Govt led by Mr. Modi to propose economic accommodation for bachelors and less salaried executives. It is very difficult to get good accommodation at cheaper price.
Vinay Kumar Naik-Executive (Ajman)
UAE is India’s 3rd largest trade partner. Since the past 30 years there has been no action taken by Indian Govt to strengthen the relations between two countries. But even then, trade has been done in a good and civil manner. This visit has given a real boost to trade business. Also, the investment promise made by the Abu Dhabi govt in India has created a new hope of expanding and building our relations.
I congratulate PM Modi for his historical visit and we expect a good living environment in India.
Praveen Shetty-Fortune group of hotels (Dubai)
PM Narendra Modi will make a great revolution in business trade. His visit, discussion with the UAE govt, meeting with the Indian Embassy and Indian community leaders has made Indian Expatriates of UAE to think, evaluate and decide about the present government and the progress of India.
After the Modi government has come to power, investment opportunities for NRI’s to invest in India have become easier and also there are many changes that have taken place with benefits.
I expect the Modi govt to work harder to maintain currency stability so that the Indian rupee value improves in the global market. Also, good infrastructure and roads will help investors to increase their trade.
Sudhir Kumar Shetty- UAE Exchange (Abu Dhabi)
PM Narendra Modi’s visit will certainly ensure a boost in trade as well as attract foreign direct investments.
During his visit, rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have agreed to invest 75 billion dollars in India with respect to railways, airports, sea ports, infrastructure as long term investments. This will help India to grow globally. India’s visionary project ‘smart city’ can become a reality sooner. I believe that the PM visit will fill the long gap of 34 years and will help build a strong and friendly relationship between two countries.
Modi’s public speech will strengthen the unity among Indians. It has created faith and confidence in the expatriate Indian community. Modi has promised to simplify councilor related services and also promised to make it easier to reach the embassy to solve crucial problems.
Insurance for every Indian at a lesser cost will really help common people to secure their life which includes insurance during natural death.
It is too early to ask the government for additional facilities but the vision, focus and direction of the Modi govt will provide good harmony. If the country grows, then the whole region and then world grows. Modi’s focus toward this is appreciable and remarkable.
One more important point is that as 2.6 million Indians are working in UAE, a country that is already developed with advanced technologies, when India develops in terms of technology and modernized infrastructure, the existing UAE Indian expatriates can contribute more to develop India.
