SRK responds to BJP leader's claim of actor helping to secure release of ex-Indian naval officers
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Regarding rumours surrounding Shah Rukh Khan's supposed role in the release of Indian Navy veterans from Qatar, Shah Rukh Khan's office said in a statement on Tuesday that "any such assertions of his involvement are unfounded". The statement emphatically denied Khan's involvement in the incident, emphasising that "the execution of this successful resolution solely rests with Indian government officials".
“Additionally, all matters involving diplomacy and statecraft are best executed by our very able leaders. Khan like many other Indians is happy that the naval officers are home safe and wishes them all the best," the office of Shah Rukh Khan said.
Earlier on Tuesday, prominent BJP leader Subramanian Swamy suggested that Shah Rukh Khan should accompany Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Gulf nation, claiming that the Bollywood star assisted him in freeing former Indian naval sailors from Qatar's prison.
Taking to microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), Swamy said, “Modi should take Cinema star Sharuk Khan to Qatar with him since after MEA and NSA had failed to persuade the Shiekhs of Qatar, Modi pleaded with Khan to intervene, and thus got an expensive settlement from the Qatar Shiekhs to free our Naval officers."
The senior BJP leader was reacting to a post by PM Modi earlier today in which the prime minister said, “Over the next two days, I will be visiting UAE and Qatar to attend various programmes, which will deepen India's bilateral relations with these nations. My visit to UAE will be my seventh since assuming office, indicating the priority we attach to a strong India-UAE friendship. I am eager to meet my brother, Mohamed Bin Zayed. I will have the honour of inaugurating the first Hindu Mandir in UAE. I will also address the Indian Community at a community programme in Abu Dhabi. I will also speak at the World Govt Summit and meet Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai. I look forward to meeting Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad, under whose leadership Qatar is witnessing immense growth."
The prime minister began a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar on Tuesday morning. Ahead of his trip, the prime minister said on social media site X that he is looking forward to meeting with his "brother," the President of the UAE, with whom he has an excellent rapport.
Separately, PM Modi held extensive talks today with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to advance bilateral strategic cooperation.
Earlier, he was greeted at the airport by Mohamed bin Zayed. He later received a guard of honour.
"Immensely grateful to my brother, HH @MohamedBinZayed for taking the time to receive me at Abu Dhabi airport," PM Modi posted on X.
I thank you for this grand welcome of me and my team. As you said, I feel that whenever I have come here, I have always felt that I have come to my home and family," Prime Minister Modi said in his opening remarks at the bilateral meeting with the UAE president.
"We have met five times in the last seven months. Today, there is a mutual partnership between India and the UAE in every sector," he said.
On Wednesday, the Indian Prime Minister will also inaugurate Abu Dhabi's first Hindu stone temple, the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir.
PM Modi to attend World Government Summit 2024
PM Modi will not only meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, but will also deliver a special keynote address at the World Government Summit 2024.
“My discussions with Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the margins of Summit will focus on strengthening our multifaceted ties with Dubai," PM Modi said in a statement ahead of his departure.
