Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to create history in the United Arab Emirates as he prepares to unveil the BAPS Mandir, the first-ever traditional Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi. This highly anticipated event symbolizes a significant milestone in the relationship between India and the UAE, highlighting the values of friendship, religious tolerance, and cultural exchange.
What is BAPS?
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), is a global Hindu organization deeply rooted in the Swaminarayan Sampradaya tradition. Renowned for their vibrant temples and unwavering commitment to service, BAPS strives to uplift individuals and communities worldwide. With over 1 million followers, they stand as a pillar of practical spirituality, promoting harmony and peace through a network of over 3,850 centers and 17,000 weekly assemblies. From the awe-inspiring Akshardham temples in New Delhi and London to numerous global centers, BAPS offers a platform for spiritual growth, community engagement, and service opportunities.
PM Modi’s Key Role
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Gulf nation holds pivotal importance, with the centerpiece being the inauguration of the BAPS Mandir. His participation serves as a strategic diplomatic maneuver, reinforcing strong bilateral relations and showcasing India’s rich heritage through cultural diplomacy.
Bringing UPI to the UAE
In a significant move towards enhancing economic cooperation, Prime Minister Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan introduced the UPI RuPay card service in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions, fostering greater financial integration and cooperation between India and the UAE.
Architectural Marvel
The Abu Dhabi temple stands as a pinnacle of traditional Hindu architecture, boasting seven shikhars in the revered Nagar style. Its façade intricately portrays universal values, tales of harmony from diverse cultures, and revered Hindu spiritual leaders and avatars. Spanning 27 acres, the temple complex includes meticulously crafted architecture alongside a generously proportioned parking lot capable of accommodating approximately 1,400 cars and 50 buses. Rising impressively to a height of 108 feet, with dimensions of 262 feet in length and 180 feet in width, the temple’s exterior is adorned with pink sandstone from Rajasthan, while its interior exudes opulence with Italian marble. The temple’s construction required a staggering 20,000 tonnes of stones and marble, transported in 700 containers, with an investment exceeding Rs 700 crore.
Symbolic Representation and Integration
The temple’s architecture is rich with symbolism, exemplified by its two central domes—the Dome of Harmony and the Dome of Peace—each intricately adorned with carvings representing elements of nature, fostering themes of human coexistence. Notably, the Wall of Harmony, among the largest 3D-printed walls in the UAE, recounts the temple’s construction journey while displaying the word ‘harmony’ in 30 ancient and modern languages, encapsulating its profound message of unity and peace. Additionally, the towering seven shikhars, or spires, serve as poignant symbols of the temple’s harmonious integration with the seven Emirates of the UAE.
Community Integration and Facilities
Beyond its spiritual significance, the temple serves as a vibrant community hub, offering an array of amenities including an assembly hall accommodating 3,000 people, a community center, exhibition halls, classrooms, and a majlis venue. This multifaceted space fosters cultural exchange, education, and community engagement, reflecting the temple’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and fostering unity among its visitors and within the broader community.
Economic Relations Between the Two Nations
India and the UAE have maintained commercial ties since 1970. However, the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in April 2022 marked a significant milestone in their economic relationship. This agreement propelled bilateral trade between India and the UAE to reach $85 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23. Notably, the UAE stands as India’s third-largest trading partner, following the United States and China. India also ranks among the top exporters to the UAE. Moreover, the UAE’s investment in India amounted to $3.5 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23, solidifying its position as the fourth-largest investor in the country.
Why is UAE important to India?
India aims to grow its economy to $5 trillion by 2027. To achieve this goal, it needs to increase exports to reach up to $1 trillion by 2030. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE plays a crucial role in this endeavor. Notably, 35% of the UAE’s population consists of expatriate Indian workers, who are considered a vital backbone of the country’s economy. This factor strengthens the relationship between the two nations. It’s worth mentioning that this marks Prime Minister Modi’s 7th visit to the UAE. Previously, he visited the UAE in 2015, 2018, 2019, 2022, and twice in 2023, showcasing the importance of bilateral ties.