Narendra Modi, 64-year-old is the current Prime Minister of India. He visited Abu Dhabi, Sunday, welcomed by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi together with his five brothers at the airport.
The Prime Minister aimed to extend good and strengthen relationship with the Gulf countries at the same time seek more investment, in order to boost Indian economy. After 34 years, when Indira Gandhi came to the UAE in 1981, Narendra Modi’s visit was considered as first visit by Indian Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Modi stated, Gulf region is vital for the economic, energy and security interests of India. He also cleared that New Delhi wants to forge a strong strategic partnership with the UAE and a plan to engage with West Asia in a big way.
He has known for making India a business-friendly and been working to speed up efficiency of India’s economy. Under his government, reforming red tape that hindered Indian business and streamlining the bureaucratic requirements on companies. However, became a controversial figure domestically and internationally when his administration failed being Chief Minister of Gujarat.
He was criticized after a riot in 27 February 2002. A train burned near Godhra, carrying hundred passengers and killed many people and injured thousands. Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya after a religious ceremony were among the victims, rumors that fire was set by Muslim arsonists.
After serving chief minister, Narendra Modi’s relationship with many Western nations was troubled. His role in the 2002 riots resulting in travel bans to the UK, the US and the EU. Since then, he was banned from entering the United States under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act banning violators of religious freedom.
Despite criticism, he was able to raise up again his reputation. He received Gujarat Ratna award at the Ganesh Kala Krida Manch Shri Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj centenary celebration. The e-Ratna Award from the Computer Society of India and named Best Chief Minister in a 2007. He also won the Asian 2009 fDi Personality of the Year award from FDi magazine. Recently, ranked fifth on Fortune magazine’s second annual list of ‘World’s Greatest Leaders’, 2015.
Narendra Modi, under his administration launched flagship “Housing for All By 2022″ project, June 2015. This intends to end slums in India, through building millions of affordable homes for India’s urban poor. IMAGE/Reuters
