UAE an important partner in India's growth story, says PM Modi

January 25, 2017

New Delhi, Jan 25: In a joint address to the media with visiting Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan following delegation-level talks, PM Modi said the United Arab Emirates was one of India's "most valued partners and a close friend in an important region of the world".

"We regard the UAE as an important partner in India's growth story," Modi said. "I particularly welcome the UAE's interest in investing in India's infrastructure sector."

Stating that work was on to connect the institutional investors of the UAE with India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, he said the Gulf nation "can benefit by linking with our growth in manufacturing and services".

"We can jointly tap abundant opportunities in our initiatives aimed at building digital economy, human capital and smart urbanization in India.

"We are also encouraging and facilitating business and industry of both countries to increase the quality and quantum bilateral trade."

Modi also called for growing engagement between the two countries to counter violence and extremism.

Stating that closer ties were of importance, he said: "They are also of significance to the entire neighbourhood. Our convergence can help stabilise the region. And, our economic partnership can be a source of regional and global prosperity."

Modi thanked the Crown Prince for allotting land for a temple in the UAE, which is home to around 2.6 million expatriate Indians.

Sheikh Mohamed, who arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to India, will be the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations on Thursday.

India signs pact with UAE to build strategic oil reserves

India on Wednesday signed 14 agreements with the United Arab Emirates, including a deal allowing the Gulf nation to fill the country's strategic storage facility in southern India.

India and UAE also decided to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

India in 2014 began talks to lease part of its strategic storage to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC). Under such a deal, India would have first rights to the stored crude in case of an emergency, while ADNOC would be able to move cargoes to meet any shift in demand.

The deal was signed by oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a representative of ADNOC after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

The UAE contributes significantly to India's energy security and was the fifth largest supplier of crude oil to India in 2015-16.

"Our energy partnership is an important bridge in our linkages. It contributes to our energy security," PM Modi said. The two sides had discussed ways to advance their energy ties through specific projects, he added.

"In this regard, long-term supply contracts and establishment of joint ventures in energy sectors can be beneficial," Modi said.

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Major facelift for Mangaluru's sporting heart: Mangala Stadium set for 2-month closure to upgrade synthetic track

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

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