Priti Patel at 'Ahlan Modi', compares India diaspora in UAE with UK

FORMER British home secretary Priti Patel was in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Tuesday (13) to take part in the 'Ahlan Modi' (Hello Modi in Arabic) event where Indian prime minister engaged with members of the Indian diaspora in the desert city in the Middle Eastern country.

The 51-year-old Indian-origin MP called the event a celebration of culture and the diaspora community and highlighted the significant presence of the Indian diaspora in both the UK and the UAE.

The event saw Modi addressing the Indian diaspora at the Sheikh Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi in which he hailed the expat community and the India-UAE brotherhood.

Speaking with Asian News International, Patel said, "I am delighted to be part of this grand celebration for PM Modi here in Abu Dhabi. The Indian diaspora community in Abu Dhabi is sizable, similar to what we have back in our homeland. This event presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our culture here in Abu Dhabi."

Read: Modi hails India-UAE brotherhood at ‘Ahlan Modi’ in Abu Dhabi

"By being here today, I am able to share some of this with my friends, and our diaspora community in the UK as well, who obviously are very excited about the living bridge between UK and India but also the diaspora community, Indian community around the world," she added.

Veena Uttamchandani, a member from the Indian diaspora, said, "We are living in Dubai since 48 years. We are very happy and excited that our PM Narendra Modi is coming here. I just got a knee surgery but still have come here."

Read: Modi thanks UAE president for BAPS temple: ‘Shows your love for India’

Ishwar Dholakia, another Indian in the UAE, said, "I am very proud that such a big event is happening here. PM Modi is developing India's global relations. He has come here seven times."

According to UAE media reports, organisers of the event closed registrations due to "overwhelming response" from members of the expat community that wanted to hear Modi.

Earlier, members of the Indian diaspora gave a warm welcome to Modi outside his hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Chants of "Har Har Modi-Ghar Ghar Modi" (Hail Modi, Modi is Everywhere) and "Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai" (Anything Possible with Modi Around) resonated through the air in a vibrant atmosphere.

The Indian PM reciprocated the warmth by clicking photographs with the excited diaspora, creating memorable moments of shared joy.

He will inaugurate the BAPS Mandir, the UAE's first Hindu temple, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (14).

(With agency inputs)