During his visit to UAE, PM Narendra Modi used a public event with 50,000 cheering Indians at the Dubai cricket stadium to attack terrorism originating from Pakistan.
In an indirect reference to Pakistan Modi said, “There are those who believe in terrorism and those who believe in humanity. Those nations who support the latter must unite. There is no good or bad Taliban, good or bad terrorism.”
Tough Message to Pakistan
- Modi’s statement is regarded as a strong message to Pakistan, delivered from the land of one of its closest allies.
- Modi spoke directly that he saw the joint statement as aimed at Pakistan. With a clear reference to Pakistan, he said that “Samajhne wale samajh jayenge” (“those who need to understand will do so)”.
- He also said that India continued to suffer from the “na-pak” activities of those who supported terrorism.
“Samajhne wale samajh jayenge”
Temple at Abu Dhabi
- Importantly, Modi also thanked Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for granting land for a temple in Abu Dhabi.
- “Those who live here can easily appreciate how big this decision is,” Modi said in a clear reference to the prohibition on the growth of non-Islamic faiths in Muslim countries.
- “At a time when communalism is at its peak, the Crown Prince’s decision to give land for a temple is a very big one,” he said.
Joint Statement Against Terrorism
- The joint statement committed the UAE and India to work together against terror groups, terrorism and extremism.
- Saying that India and the UAE were building a relationship based on trust, Modi said, “We wrote a joint statement against terrorism without resorting to harsh words.“
Use of Malayalam
He even spoke a few sentences in Malayalam, saying “you (Indians in Dubai) are the pride of India”.
UAE’s supports India’s claim to UNSC Permanent Membership
- Modi told the crowd he was grateful for the hospitality shown by the Emirate’s rulers and more importantly for their support to India’s candidature in the UNSC and support for the India-sponsored Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism.
- Describing Dubai as a manufacturing hub, a world in itself, he said, people from distant countries too want to come and live in this country .
Visit to UAE after 34 Years
- Unable to resist taking a dig at the Congress, he said, “There are 700 flights per week between India and Dubai, but it took an Indian prime minister 34 years to visit the UAE.”
- Modi’s visit to UAE is the first visit by an Indian PM to UAE after 34 years
