The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has bestowed the First Class Order of Zayed II on outgoing Indian Ambassador Navdeep Singh Suri, in recognition of his efforts and his contribution to the development and strengthening of friendly relations and cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, presented the honour to the ambassador during a meeting at the ministry in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Sheikh Abdullah lauded the ambassador’s role in bolstering the UAE-Indian ties.

The Indian ambassador paid tribute to the UAE President, praising his prudent policy and his prominent role regionally and globally.

Speaking to Khaleej Times on Wednesday, Suri said:  “I am truly humbled that Sheikh Khalifa has conferred this rare honour on me. I have been privileged to represent India in the UAE during a period that has seen such a remarkable transformation in our bilateral ties. We are indeed fortunate that we have had this ringside view of history being made.”

He also extended gratitude to government departments, officials and staff members, with whom he worked through the years.

“This award is not for me as an individual. I gratefully accept it on behalf of our wonderful team at the embassy and at our consulate in Dubai – and on behalf of the amazing Indian community that constitutes such a strong bridge between India and the UAE,” the envoy said.

Suri has been heading the Indian mission in the UAE since October 2016. During his tenure, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the UAE twice. Pavan Kapoor will succeed Suri as the next ambassador.