Watch: PM Modi receives F-16 escort as he lands in UAE on first leg of five-nation tour

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Friday on the first leg of his five-nation tour, receiving a ceremonial escort from UAE F-16 fighter jets as his aircraft entered Emirati airspace.On arrival in Abu Dhabi, Modi was accorded a guard of honour before beginning high-level engagements with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.The two leaders are expected to hold talks on bilateral cooperation in areas including energy, trade, investment and regional developments. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions will also cover issues of mutual international interest.Modi’s visit to the UAE is part of a broader five-nation tour from May 15 to May 20 covering the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The visit is aimed at strengthening India’s partnerships in trade, technology, clean energy, innovation and green growth.Ahead of the visit, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations described the tour as taking place at a “crucial juncture” for India’s strategic and economic ties with Europe and the Gulf region.FIEO President S. C. Ralhan said, “The Prime Minister’s high-level engagements with the leadership of the UAE and major European nations underline India’s growing stature as a trusted economic partner and a key driver of global growth. The visit is expected to create substantial opportunities for Indian exporters across sectors, including engineering, clean energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, logistics and digital trade.”The exporters’ body also said the UAE remained one of India’s most significant trade and investment partners and continued to act as a gateway for Indian exports to West Asia and Africa.Ahead of Modi’s arrival, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy described the Prime Minister as a “true treasure” for the leadership and people of the Emirates.Speaking to ANI, Al Hashimy said the India-UAE relationship was set to scale “new mountaintops” in trade and technology and noted that Modi’s visit would continue the momentum created by recent high-level exchanges between the two countries.After concluding the UAE leg of the visit, Modi will travel to the Netherlands from May 15 to 17, where he is scheduled to meet Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and hold interactions with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. Discussions there are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defence and water management.