Amid grand reception, PM Modi woos Indian diaspora in packed Dubai stadium

"I witness a mini Indian here in Dubai," the Indian Prime Minister commenced his speech amid huge 'Modi Modi' chants in the stadium.

Lauding the NRI's living in Dubai, the Indian Prime Minister said, "You are working here for making your living but at the same time you are taking forward the pride and glory of India. If it rains in India, you offer us umbrella. If there is any calamity in India, you share the pain here."

Modi recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's efforts over the conduct of nuclear tests and appreciated the contribution of Gulf countries.

"When Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji was he PM, India had conducted nuclear tests and the world was shocked. Many were even angry. Sanctions were put on India. That time, Vajpayee ji had asked Indians all over the world to help the nation. Responding to Atal ji's call, the role played by those working in the Gulf was exemplary," said he.

He said Dubai is not just a mini India, it has become a mini world.

"People from all around the world stay here in Dubai. The country must have shown immense power like a magnet to attract people from all across the world," said the Indian PM.

Taking a dig at the former Prime Ministers of the Congress party for not visiting UAE for over 30 years, Modi said, "So many flights are there between India and UAE but it took 34 years for a PM to visit this nation."

PM Modi lauded Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed AI Nahyan and said the UAE Prince approved an investment of Rs. 4.5 lakh crore in India.

He said there has been a huge change in the way India is regarded by the world.

"This did not happen due to Modi but the reason for such a change is the 125 crore people of India," claimed Modi.

"We started @makeinindia. We are asking the world to come and 'Make in India'...there are many opportunities. When there are efforts towards Skill Development, Digital India then it is natural for the world to come to India," he added.

Taking a strong stand on terrorism, Modi said, "We are victims of terrorism for 40 years. Innocent people have lost their lives. Good Taliban, Bad Taliban...Good Terror, Bad Terror...this wont work. A decision has to be taken are you with terrorism or with humanity."

Modi also spoke about providing relief aid by his government to Nepal during the massive earthquake which hit the country recently.

Not forgetting to slam the Oppositions, he said, "Our efforts towards Nepal became pain for some people. But should we stop doing good works just for the sake of those few people."

Modi said his government's effort has been to take India to new heights of progress and maintain a strong friendship with our neighbouring countries.

"We work, not with an arrogance of being big but we work shoulder to shoulder with everyone towards development," said he.

Earlier in the day, Modi issued a joint statement with UAE Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed AI Nahyan where both countries agreed to cooperate in peaceful uses of nuclear energy including in areas like safety, health, agriculture and S&T.