Modi conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine
Narendra Modi is the first-ever Indian PM to visit Palestine. Considering this and his commitment to improving India-Palestine relations, President Abbas conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine on him. It is the highest order given to foreign dignitaries like Kings, PMs, Presidents, etc. Saudi Arabia's King Salman and China's President Xi Jinping are other awardees. Here's all about PM's visit.
Earlier, PM Modi met the Jordanian King
Modi reached Palestine via Jordan. At the Jordan stop-over, he met King Abdullah II. The King described the meeting as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral ties. He also highlighted the key role that India plays in promoting security, stability and fighting terrorism. Apart from the Palestinian cause, the two sides discussed Jordan's role in protecting Jerusalam's Islamic and Christian holy sites.
What are PM Modi's plans in Palestine?
Later, upon arriving in Ramallah, Modi first laid a wreath at President Yaseer Arafat's mausoleum. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Presidential headquarters. Modi's visit focuses on helping Palestine with nation-building through infrastructure, education and skill-development. Regarding this, he will sign five agreements with his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas. Further, he will announce the setting up of a super-speciality hospital.
To welcome PM Modi, UAE drapes the tricolor
From Palestine, PM Modi will proceed to UAE. After a ceremonial reception, he will meet Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Mohammed bin Zayed. In honor of his visit, UAE's iconic towers, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame Adnoc building and Emirates Palace, sported India's tricolor flag. Along with bilateral meetings, Modi will address the World Government Summit in Dubai, in which India is the guest country.
Modi set to address Indian community in Oman
Modi will visit Oman as the last leg of his tri-nation tour. In his maiden visit, Modi is all set to address about 25,000 Indian diaspora. He will also address business leaders at the "India-Oman Business Meet," urging Indian and Omani entrepreneurs to work together. Sultan Qaboos will host the PM. They will discuss the regional security situation in Asia and sign various MoUs.
So, what is the significance of this visit?
About a month after welcoming "close friend" Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi is visiting Palestine. This signifies Modi's success in de-hyphenating relations with Israel and Palestine, seeing both as mutually independent and exclusive. Thus, India is steadfast for a two-state solution, but hasn't shied away from cooperating with Israel. Separately, UAE-Oman have one of the largest Indian diaspora, signalling importance of Modi's visit there.
