New Delhi: At a time when India is diplomatically reaching out to foreign countries, including influential nations of the Muslim world, after abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on August 23 and 24 where he will receive the “Order of Zayed” — the highest civil decoration of the UAE — which was conferred in April this year in recognition of his “distinguished leadership” that has “given a big boost to bilateral relations between the two countries”.

Following the visit, Mr Modi will visit another Gulf nation — Bahrain —on April 24 and 25 where he will, among other engagements, “launch the renovation of Shreenathji (Shree Krishna) temple in Manama” there. This will be his first visit to Bahrain as the Prime Minister.

Mr Modi will also visit France to participate in the G-7 Summit at Biarritz that is being held from August 24 to 26.

It also remains to be seen whether he will have a bilateral meeting in France with US President Donald Trump.

India is not a member of the G-7, but has been invited to attend the summit this time by the host France.

The G-7 grouping comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, termed as seven of the “largest” advanced economies in the world.

It may be recalled that UAE ambassador to India Dr Ahmad Al Banna while commenting in the wake of India’s move on Jammu and Kashmir was quoted as saying recently, “We expect that the changes would improve social justice and security and confidence of the people in the local governance and will encourage further stability and peace.” In a statement on PM Modi’s visit to the UAE, the ministry of external affairs said, “The PM would pay a state visit to United Arab Emirates. During his visit, PM would be meeting the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest. PM Modi would receive the Order of Zayed, the highest civil decoration of the United Arab Emirates  which was conferred earlier in April 2019.