Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the inauguration of Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple. This visit comes as Modi seeks to enhance his global statesmanship ahead of the upcoming general elections in India. However, back home in India, there are concerns among Muslims who feel marginalized and threatened by the Hindu nationalist policies of Modi's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Modi's visit to the UAE marks his seventh trip to the country since 2015, highlighting the significance of the bilateral relationship. The UAE is a key economic partner for India, with a bilateral trade volume of around $90 billion. In 2022, the two countries signed a free trade agreement, further strengthening their ties. Additionally, the UAE is the fourth-largest investor in India.
A noteworthy aspect of this relationship is the presence of Indian expatriates in the UAE. With a population of around 9 million in the UAE, approximately 3.5 million are Indian expats, making them the largest expatriate group in the country. Such demographic and economic factors contribute to the importance placed on maintaining favorable relations between India and the UAE.
Despite this warm reception in the UAE, criticism persists regarding the treatment of Muslim minorities in India. The demolition of two mosques in the past 16 days has raised concerns among Muslims, who comprise around 14 percent of India's population. While authorities claim these demolitions were due to illegal encroachments, many Muslims feel they are being treated as second-class citizens.
The inauguration of the Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is expected to further exacerbate these tensions. The temple, built on 27 acres of land, is the first traditional Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Constructed from pink sandstone and featuring seven spires representing the ruling sheikhs of each emirate, the temple holds great significance for the Indian community in the UAE.
Prime Minister Modi's warm welcoming by UAE President, along with his participation in the World Government Summit, highlights the importance of this visit. However, allegations of widespread unlawful demolitions of Muslims' homes, businesses, and places of worship in India have garnered international attention, with an organization urging the Indian government to halt such actions.
While Prime Minister Modi seeks to strengthen ties with the UAE and project himself as a global statesman, criticism persists regarding the treatment of minorities in India. As the temple inauguration takes place, there will be a parallel conversation on the state of religious harmony and minority rights within India's borders.
