Dubai, Jan 11: Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday told Indian workers here that he wants to listen to their problems instead of telling his "Mann Ki Baat".

Gandhi, who is in the UAE on a maiden visit, was accorded a warm welcome by the Indian diaspora at the Dubai airport on Thursday.

He lauded the Indian workers here for making the country proud by their hard work in the UAE.

"You have illuminated the names of every religion, every state and every caste," he said.

He said his party is aware of the difficulties faced by the labourers and wants to help them.

"We want to talk to you," he said.

"Main yahan apne mann ki baat kehne nahi aaya hun..main yayan aapke mann ki baat sunane aaya hun (I have not come here to speak my mind, I have come to listen to your heart)," he said in his address at the Jabel Ali labour colony.

He was referring to Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat where he address the nation on various issues.

Earlier Gandhi met with the business leaders in the country.

A construction worker from Jabel Ali labour colony said he wants to see Gandhi leading India with compassion and care for all Indians.

Gandhi is also set to meet some UAE ministers during his two-day visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.

The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.

"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.

The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.

He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.