PM Modi UAE visit: How BAPS Hindu temple is a masterwork of two embracing civilisations

In the vast tapestry of geopolitical relations, the alliance between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a beacon, weaving a story that spans millennia. From ancient maritime routes connecting the Arabian Sea to the Mediterranean, laden with spices, jewels, perfumes, and cloth, to the contemporary stage where trade, diplomacy, and camaraderie intertwine, the India-UAE partnership emerges as a defining alliance of the 21st century. The narrative took a hiatus of 34 years before being reignited in 2015, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic visit to the UAE, marking the genesis of a new era in diplomatic relations. What ensued was a symphony of visits, agreements, and accolades, solidifying the bond between the two nations. In a diplomatic ballet, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan graced the Republic Day celebrations in 2017, and the warmth of the relationship reached its pinnacle when PM Modi was bestowed with the prestigious Order of Zayed in 2019. Once upon a trade era, where dates, pearls, and fishes held the ancient secrets, a seismic shift occurred. In 1962, the UAE discovered oil, rewriting the narrative. Fast forward to the 1990s, cue the drumroll for India’s economic liberation and Dubai’s rise as a trading maestro—a symphony played, transforming bilateral trade from a humble $180 million in the 1970s to a jaw-dropping $73 billion in 2021–22. Enter the showstopper, the maestro’s magnum opus—the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) of 2022, unveiled in a virtual summit that echoed through the economic cosmos. It vows to elevate bilateral trade to an astronomical $100 billion in goods and $15 billion in services within a tantalising five years. But the spotlight refuses to dim. Behold the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), stealing the scene—a multi-modal lifeline connecting India to the Gulf and Europe. Roadways, railways, ship-rail transit routes, electricity cables, hydrogen pipelines, high-speed data cables—it’s not just a corridor; it’s a saga unfolding beyond borders, a crescendo of ambition. In the financial arena, a game-changing 2023 pact emerges—a pact allowing India and the UAE to settle trade in rupees, bypassing the dollar drama. The crescendo swells with the 2024 Joint Vision Document, venturing into uncharted territories of cooperation—fintech, clean energy, climate action—a symphony of progress. The I2U2 Group, formed with Israel and the US in 2021, adds another layer to this tapestry of collaboration, a dramatic stroke on the canvas of geopolitics. Now, imagine this scene: Sheikh Mohammed leading a parade with PM Modi in Gujarat at the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a stage alive with discussions and ambition echoing through the air. Union Minister Piyush Goyal steps into the spotlight, announcing the ambitious goal to expand trade to an astonishing $100 billion—a checkmate moment, a crescendo of ambition, camaraderie, and shared success. The stage is set, the players are aligned, and the India-UAE partnership, a dazzling spectacle, continues to captivate the world with its dramatic narrative. In the grand tapestry of the India-UAE relationship, the BAPS Hindu temple emerges as the pièce de résistance, the grand crescendo that transcends diplomatic triumphs and geopolitical maneuvers. It is not just another check; it is the magnum opus, an architectural marvel that encapsulates the essence of respect for civilisations and the shared ethos of two nations. As the sun sets over the sprawling 27-acre expanse near Al Rahba, it paints the temple in hues of gold, casting a spell that echoes the warmth of the India-UAE camaraderie. The journey from the vision of Mahant Swami Maharaj in 1997 to the grand inauguration ceremony, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi graces the event with the charm of his leadership, is a narrative of shared dreams and mutual admiration. This temple, a mosaic of Italian marbles and Rajasthan pink stones, stands not merely as a physical structure but as a living testament to the profound bond that unites the civilizations of India and the UAE. Each carving, each pillar, and each element of its design tells a story—not just the tales of Hindu deities etched on its shikars but the narrative of a diplomatic saga, where cultural sensitivity and mutual respect become the guiding stars. The ‘Dome of Harmony’, rising high above the desert landscape, encapsulates the very spirit of the India-UAE relationship—a harmonious blend of diverse elements, a convergence of histories, and a celebration of shared values. The BAPS Hindu temple is not just another check; it is the crescendo that echoes through the corridors of time, symbolising the respect for civilisations, the triumph of diplomacy, and the enduring legacy of a remarkable alliance. In the grand spectacle of India-UAE relations, the construction of the BAPS Hindu temple within the borders of the Emirates stands as the highlight, a vivid testament to the profound depth of this unique partnership. The India-UAE model, marked by mutual respect and the celebration of diverse values, should serve as a blueprint for other nations navigating the complexities of geopolitical landscapes. It becomes increasingly evident that, in this evolving narrative, the India-UAE relationship is not a vacuum; it is a dynamic and symbiotic alliance that reverberates beyond borders, embodying the very essence of shared civilisations celebrated on the ultimate stage of diplomatic and cultural synergy. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi graces the inauguration on February 14, 2024, my heart echoes with the harmonious melodies of diplomacy and cultural exchange. The temple is not a distant structure; it’s a living, breathing testament to the shared heritage of India and the UAE. It’s a home away from home, a bridge that connects my roots to the foreign shores that now embrace the spirit of my culture. The author is a practising Advocate. She writes articles on women’s rights, politics and law. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. 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