Jaishankar describes Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple as 'symbol of peace, tolerance and harmony'

Abu Dhabi, Aug 31: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday visited the site of the under-construction Hindu temple - the first in Abu Dhabi - and described it as "a symbol of peace, tolerance and harmony."

Jaishankar, who arrived in the UAE on a three-day visit to the Gulf nation on Wednesday, also hailed the efforts of Indians in building the iconic temple. "Auspicious beginning to the visit of EAM @DrSJaishankar. EAM visited the @BAPS @AbuDhabiMandir site and laid a brick in its intricate architecture.

Also hailed the efforts of all Indians in building the iconic Temple, a symbol of peace, tolerance and harmony," the Indian Embassy in the UAE tweeted. The temple will come up on 55,000 square metres of land.

The structure will be hand-carved by Indian temple artisans and assembled in the UAE. It will be the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East. During his stay in the UAE, Jaishankar would hold talks with his counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and review the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.