Abu Dhabi [UAE], Feb 14: Noting that India is being recognised for its mega infrastructure projects and Digital India is being appreciated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the world is looking at India as a 'Vishwa Bandhu'.

Addressing the 'Ahlan Modi' Indian diaspora event held at Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Prime Minister also referred to the BAPS Hindu Mandir which will be inaugurated in the city.

"In 2015, when I presented to him (Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed) the proposal to build a temple in Abu Dhabi on behalf of all of you, he immediately said yes to it...now the time has come to inaugurate this grand (BAPS) temple," he said.

The inauguration of the BAPS temple is a "key part" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"Today the world is looking at India as a 'Vishwa Bandhu'. Today India's voice is heard on every major platform of the world. Wherever there is a crisis, the name of India comes among the first countries to reach there. Today's strong India stands with its people at every step," he added.

PM Modi also highlighted the strong bond between India and the UAE, noting that this is his seventh visit to the UAE in the last ten years.

Reflecting on the bilateral relations between India and the UAE, PM Modi praised the collaboration in trade, investment, and technology.

There was an evident enthusiasm in the Indian diaspora for the 'Ahlan Modi' event with the organisers having had to close registrations last week as the number of attendees surpassed 65,000.

On the second day of his UAE visit, PM Modi will inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. After the visit to UAE, PM Modi will proceed to Doha on the second leg of the two-nation visit.

(ANI)

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