Dubai: Hundreds of Indian expatriates gathered in Dubai on Sunday evening to mark India’s 80th Independence Day and reaffirm their commitment and loyalty to the UAE and its leadership.

The event, organised by the Indian People’s Forum (IPF), brought together members of the Indian community who collectively recited a pledge of allegiance to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The pledge praised the UAE leadership for providing security and stability and expressed the community’s commitment to living in peace and harmony while upholding the country’s values and passing them on to future generations.

Pledge for Viksit Bharat 2047

The gathering also featured a second pledge supporting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to transform India into a fully developed nation by the 100th anniversary of its independence.

Participants pledged to contribute responsibly to the country’s development and support the seven priority areas outlined under the Saptadhara framework: manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, Gati Shakti and connectivity, defence, the green and blue economies, and India’s soft power and culture.

They also pledged to protect natural resources, strengthen their communities and contribute towards a sustainable future.

UAE Minister joins Indian community

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the chief guest at the event, joined the Indian community in taking the pledge.

Praising the Indian diaspora, Al Zeyoudi described the community’s journey in the Gulf as a “unique successful story” and highlighted its important contribution to the UAE’s transformation into a global economic centre.

Speaking about UAE-India economic relations, he pointed to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022. He said bilateral non-oil trade had reached $29.3 billion in the first half of the year despite regional tensions, keeping the two countries on course towards their target of $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2032.

He said the celebration was not only about India’s achievements of the past but also about its future, with the UAE continuing to play an important role as a partner in India’s growth journey.

Suniel Shetty pays tribute to UAE

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, another prominent guest, also joined both pledges.

Calling the UAE, particularly Dubai, an “extension of our very own India,” Shetty praised the resilience of the Indian community and its ability to stand together during difficult times.

He also spoke about his UAE-based project, The Falcons of the Majlis, which aims to support young entrepreneurs. He offered to help Indian entrepreneurs in the UAE connect with the programme through the IPF.

Indian diaspora described as a “living bridge”

Indian Ambassador to the UAE Dr Deepak Mittal highlighted the strong relationship between the UAE leadership and the Indian community.

Thanking the UAE for providing opportunities to more than 4.5 million Indians, he pointed to developments such as the allocation of land for the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi and support for a crematorium in Ras Al Khaimah as examples of the country’s support for the community.

Mittal described the Indian diaspora as a “living bridge” between India and the UAE.

He urged Indians living abroad to contribute to the seven priority areas under the Saptadhara framework, stressing that Viksit Bharat 2047 is not only a vision for people living in India but also a shared national commitment for the global Indian diaspora.

Consulate reaffirms commitment

Consul General Dr E Vishnu Vardhan Reddy reaffirmed the Indian Consulate’s commitment to serving the community, particularly in the areas of consular and passport services.

He thanked residents for their patience during the recent transition to a new outsourced service provider.

Reddy said the community’s pledge of loyalty to the UAE reflected its respect for its Karmabhumi, or land of work, while maintaining its emotional connection with its Mathrubhumi, or motherland.

He encouraged Indian expatriates to support India’s development while stressing that this commitment should complement, rather than diminish, their loyalty and responsibilities towards the UAE.

IPF thanks UAE leadership

IPF President Jitendra Vaidya praised the UAE government for providing residents with equal opportunities to grow according to their abilities.

He recalled the UAE’s support for residents during the Covid-19 pandemic and said the country’s assistance extended across all sections of society, including blue-collar workers.

Vaidya also recalled President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s statement during the recent crisis that “every resident is an Emirati,” saying the sentiment had reassured many families and inspired the community’s pledge of commitment.

India’s economic transformation highlighted

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award recipient Sidharth Balachandran described India’s economic transformation as a new “Gilded Age”, driven by the ambition to build a $30 trillion economy by 2047.

He said the success of India’s economic growth should be measured not only by its scale but also by its ability to create prosperity across all sections of society.

Cultural celebrations add colour

The event also featured a series of cultural performances celebrating India’s heritage, history and freedom struggle.

More than 100 participants took part in the performances, with a special presentation by Children of Determination emerging as one of the evening’s most emotional moments.

A historical character presentation featuring Indian freedom fighters, kings and queens also drew strong appreciation from the audience. Portrayals of Mahatma Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the highlights.

The event concluded as a vibrant celebration of India’s independence, while also highlighting the deep bonds of friendship, partnership and mutual respect between India and the UAE.