Indian PM awarded UAE highest civilian honour

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the United Arab Emirates' highest civilian honour during a visit yesterday to the oil-rich Gulf nation, reinforcing ties between the countries even as he faces criticism over stripping occupied Kashmir of its autonomy. The induction of Modi into the Order of Zayed shows the importance the UAE places on India, the world's third-largest consumer of crude oil.  Abu Dhabi's powerful crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, personally put the golden medal around Modi's neck during an event that was closed to press in Abu Dhabi, the Emirati capital. With a portrait of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's first president for whom the order is named, behind them, the two men shook and held hands for a moment and spoke quietly.