UAE Minister Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi and Bollywood star Suniel Shetty join hundreds of expats in Dubai to mark India’s 80th Independence Day.
DUBAI: Hundreds of Indian expatriates gathered in Dubai to take a dual pledge of loyalty to the UAE leadership and commitment to India’s long-term economic vision, marking India’s 80th Independence Day.
Organized by the Indian People’s Forum (IPF), the event brought together senior UAE officials, Indian diplomats, community leaders, and prominent personalities. Participants collectively recited a pledge of allegiance to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing gratitude for the security, stability, and economic opportunities provided by the host nation.
Later in the evening, the gathering took a second pledge supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” initiative. The declaration aligned the diaspora’s efforts with India’s goal of achieving developed-nation status by its independence centenary, focusing on the “Saptadhara” framework—a seven-pillar growth strategy encompassing manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, defense, green economic transition, agriculture, and cultural outreach.
UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi attended as chief guest and joined the gathering in taking the pledge to the UAE. Addressing the audience, Dr. Al Zeyoudi commended the more than 4.5 million Indian expatriates in the country, describing their role as a pillar of the UAE’s economic success. He highlighted the ongoing impact of the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), noting that bilateral non-oil trade reached $29.3 billion in the first half of the year, maintaining progress toward the target of $200 billion by 2032.
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty also attended and joined both pledges. Speaking at the event, Shetty described the UAE as an extended home for the Indian community and commended its resilience during challenging times. He also introduced an initiative linked to his project, The Falcons of the Majlis, aimed at supporting young Indian entrepreneurs in the region.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE Dr. Deepak Mittal described the diaspora as a vital “living bridge” between the two countries. He highlighted key decisions by the UAE leadership, including the allocation of land for the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, as clear evidence of mutual trust and respect. Consul General Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy noted that expressing devotion to one’s work land (Karmabhumi) complements a commitment to one’s motherland (Mathrubhumi).
IPF President Jitendra Vaidya emphasized the equal opportunities offered by the UAE to all residents, recalling the government’s comprehensive support system during global crises. Businessman and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee Sidharth Balachandran spoke on India’s ongoing economic transformation, pointing to the target of achieving a $30 trillion economy by 2047.
The evening featured cultural performances involving over 100 participants, including a presentation by children of determination and historical character enactments paying homage to India’s independence movement.
