Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the 'Order of Zayed', the UAE's highest civilian award, in recognition of his work in crafting the modern relationship between the UAE and India.
Modi said: "[I am] humbled to be conferred the 'Order of Zayed' a short while ago.
“More than an individual, this award is for India's cultural ethos and is dedicated to 130 crore Indians. I thank the UAE Government for this honour.”
The award was given to Modi by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi (see below):
The award has previously been bestowed on several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Before giving the award, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said, "We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost."
With an annual bilateral trade of about US$60 billion, the UAE is India's third-largest trade partner.
It is also the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India.
Read more: Trelleborg in Jafza One Relocation Plan