Indian expats gather in Dubai to celebrate 79th Independence Day
- Last updated: August 16, 2025 | 09:48
Raghib Hassan, Staff Reporter
It was a sight to behold on Friday morning at the Indian Consulate Dubai. A rather calm and quiet consulate auditorium, was buzzing with vibrant energy in the early morning. Scores of Indians, from Dubai and other emirates, carrying Indian flags, beaming with pride, assembled with joy and excitement to be the part of 79th Independence Day celebration.
Consul General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Satish Kumar Sivan hoisted the National Flag. He addressed the gathering and appreciated the audience for their amazing spirit. His short and crisp speech inspired the audience. Later he read out the excerpts of the message of Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
While addressing the gathering Satish Kumar Sivan said, “We are today the fastest growing major economy in the world averaging a healthy 7% growth rate for the past decade, except the Covid years, in a difficult global economic scenario. India seems to be the last frontier of hope for major investors in the world. As a result, gross foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows totalled an impressive $ 1.05 trillion since April 2000. This achievement has been further strengthened by a nearly 26% increase in FDI, amounting to US$ 42.1 billion during the first half of the FY25. Such growth underscores India's rising attractiveness as a global investment destination, fuelled by a proactive policy framework, a vibrant business environment, and enhanced international competitiveness.”
He added, “We have demonstrated a workable model of good governance using Digital Public Infrastructure in transparently delivering services. As a result, over 250 million people have been pulled out of multi-dimensional poverty in just under a decade while the country progressed from 10th largest economy to fourth largest and set to be third largest by in less than 3 years time, a remarkable transformation and a stellar contribution to sustainable global growth.”
“India’s rise in the global stage is a factor of not just what happens in India but also outside the country. Indians abroad are today a powerful force exceling in wide ranging fields from technology to business to healthcare and even politics. I can speak for the wonderful 4.3 million strong Indian community in UAE.”
Praising Indian community, he said, “Indians are not respected here for their numbers but for the value that they have added, and continue to add, in UAE’s nation building. The India-UAE relationship is what it is today thanks to the foundations laid down by the Indian community in UAE. I take this opportunity to thank each and every member of the Indian Community for their contribution in building the bridges of friendship between our two countries. I would like to also thank the Government of UAE and the rulers of all the Emirates for their kindness in giving the due space to the Indian community for their growth.”
“Today, we as a nation have resolved to rededicate our efforts to achieving the goal of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. In this journey, our strategic partnership with UAE would be a defining element. We are privileged to have visionary leaders in the two countries who are guiding us in this aspirational journey. The India-UAE partnership is firmly anchored in trust, shared vision, and mutual growth. Strategic focus areas include sustainability, green energy, digital transformation, innovation, and talent development.
The partnership supports India’s aspirations to be USD 30trillion economy by 2047 and UAE’s Vision 2071, empowering entrepreneurs, and fostering innovative, inclusive, resilient economies, he concluded.
Meanwhile, Tiranga photo exhibition at the lobby was another highlight of the event. The exhibition beautifully described the journey of the Tiranga. It was the great idea to educate people about the journey of the Tiranga. The exhibition managed to draw lots of young audience as well at the exhibition. Later, a medley of patriotic songs lifted the spirit of gathering, while troupe of Indian classical dancers mesmerized the audience.