This refers to the editorial, “Message for Pakistan” (August 19). It is an irrefutable fact that the United Arab Emirates has been close to Pakistan despite the latter indulging in anti-India acts. The main objective of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE was to convince the authorities over there about the scourge of terrorism and its dire consequences. In the joint statement, both the UAE and India rejected terrorism in all forms and condemned its sanction by religion.
Why did Mr Modi prefer to visit the UAE after a lapse of 34 yearsIJ The last visit was paid by Indira Gandhi in 1981. First, Mr Modi felt that the UAE is on the verge of reforms and now resists activities of extremism and fundamentalism — all of which is pernicious to the unity of the country. Second, he sought the cooperation of the UAE to resist terrorist plots against India. Third, he requested the UAE authorities to invest in our country, which was agreed upon. Mr Modi’s visit was, therefore, diplomatically successful.