The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai, in partnership with the Consulate General of India in Dubai, celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with an evening highlighting the country’s growing global influence and its increasingly close ties with the UAE.
Held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City on Saturday, the event brought together former Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakashi Lekhi, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, and a host of senior UAE and Indian business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members.
Themed “Two Nations, One Heart,” the celebration integrated business, technology, and culture, emphasizing the profound links between the two nations. Opening the event, Siddharth Balachandran, Chairman of IBPC Dubai, stated that the relationship between India and the UAE has evolved far beyond a traditional bilateral partnership.
Balachandran noted that the ties between the two countries reflect a wider sense of cooperation and shared responsibility. “I believe and love my country, but I also believe in the UAE, reinforced by a sense of empathy for the world at large,” he said. “I truly believe this is making us world citizens sans borders. Nowhere else is this more exemplified than in this room. India-UAE is the future.”
He further remarked that the relationship is built on the vision of the founding leaders of both countries and has continued to flourish under their successors. “The spark has become a raging fire—an aspiration for generational greatness. Long may this bilateral brotherhood continue,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Meenakashi Lekhi highlighted the critical role played by the Indian diaspora in the UAE and India’s expanding influence globally. She emphasized that India’s strength lies not only in its economy but also in its culture, people, and reach. “Our soft power is what sets us apart. The UAE represents tolerance and resilience; so does India,” Lekhi stated.
Lekhi pointed to India’s significant contributions in medicine, engineering, education, technology, and business. “If India does well, the world does well,” she said, noting that India’s scientific, economic, and cultural strengths remain vital to global peace and wellbeing.
Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy observed that the event’s theme reflected the depth of India-UAE relations, which are built on shared cultural links, maritime history, and common values of tolerance and peace. He highlighted the strength of the economic relationship, noting that the UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner, while India is the UAE’s second-largest trading partner.
Reddy stated he would continue working closely with the Indian business and professional community in Dubai, adding, “Dubai is truly the best city in the world.” The Consul General was felicitated by Balachandran and Sarah Al Muhaideb, Relations Manager for Business Groups at Dubai Chambers. IBPC Dubai founding members Mohan Valrani and Vijay Malhotra were also honoured.
The event featured awards themed “Celebrating Excellence, Recognizing Impact, Inspiring Ambition,” which recognized achievements across eight categories, including business leadership, young leadership, women’s leadership, and sustainability. Neeraj Makin, Senior Executive Vice President at Emirates NBD, was honoured for leadership in banking and innovation, while Ahmed Yousef Al-Hassan, CEO of DP World GCC, was recognized for his contributions to global logistics.
Saifuddin Rupawala, CEO of LuLu Retail Holdings, received recognition for his contribution to food security. The late Vasu Shroff, represented by his son Rajkumar Shroff, Chairman of Regal Group, was honoured for his philanthropic work. Ramesh Ramakrishnan, Pravasi Bharatiya Award recipient and CEO of Transworld, spoke on the council’s evolving role under the theme “New Era – Change with Continuity,” while title sponsor Eugene Mayne, Founder and CEO of Tristar Group, was also recognized.
The cultural programme showcased the vibrant heritage of the two nations. Shriman Dhol Tasha opened the proceedings, followed by “Vande Mataram – Rang De Bharat,” a dance performance by Symphony Sargam marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. The evening also included “Suron Ki Viraasat,” a musical tribute to legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle.
The evening also marked a new chapter for IBPC Dubai, with Secretary General Dr Sahitya Chaturvedi announcing the IBPC Annual Awards 2027.
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