On the solemn occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to the Indian community and our esteemed Emirati friends and partners. This day commemorates the transformation of India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic. It is apt to reflect today on the remarkable journey of our great nation, honour the sacrifices made by countless individuals to secure our freedom, and reaffirm our commitment to the core values of democracy — justice, equality, and liberty.
We also stand at the threshold of an exciting new chapter in our history, one marked by dynamic growth, a skilled young population, and an unwavering resolve to build a better and stronger nation through technology and innovation.
The journey of India, from a newly independent nation in 1947 to one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world today, has been nothing short of extraordinary. This transformation has not been easy, nor has it been without challenges.
However, it is the resilience of Indians, the visionary leadership, and the strength of our democratic institutions that have carried India through turbulent times.
As we reflect on the progress of our nation, it is crucial to remember that the Constitution of India, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, laid the political and socio-economic foundation for this remarkable journey.
India’s Constitution is not only a testament to the vision of our founding fathers but also a living document that has adapted and evolved to meet the needs of a dynamic, diverse and progressive nation. It has guided India through periods of significant social, political, and economic change while ensuring that the values of democracy, secularism, and social justice remain at the core of our governance. India’s vision for the future is one of inclusive growth.
The year 2024 was remarkable for India in many ways. India proved its credentials as the largest thriving democracy by the successful conduct of free and fair election, involving more than 650 million voters, to elect the national government. India’s tech landscape was defined by innovation, global partnerships, and a clear focus on self-reliance. India actively advanced its 6G technology initiatives. Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications across sectors, National Quantum Mission and genome sequencing made significant strides. Innovation will drive our march into the future.
UAE-India ties
This special day is also an opportunity to reflect on the enduring and ever-strengthening relationship between India and the UAE. Both nations share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties that date back centuries. Today, our relationship is one of the most dynamic and strategic partnerships in the world, marked by strong cooperation in trade, investment, security, and people-to-people exchanges.
Bilateral trade between our two nations has touched new heights, and our trade spans across diverse sectors. The UAE is also a major source of investments in India, contributing significantly to our infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
One of the key elements of the India-UAE partnership is our shared commitment to peace, stability, and security in the region. We are partnering in materialising India-Middle East- Europe- Economic Corridor (IMEC) reflecting our commitment to regional cohesiveness, maritime security and global peace.
The Indian diaspora in the UAE plays an integral role in the growth and prosperity of both countries. The nearly four million Indians residing in the UAE, have made invaluable contributions to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the UAE, and their hard work and achievements are the foundation of the deep friendship between our two nations.
On this momentous day, let us remember the civilisational values that unite us together as a nation. While recounting the past, we are also looking ahead to our centenary year of independence in 2047, a time when India will work towards realising its vision to build an India that is not only developed and prosperous but inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and self-reliant — a nation that leads the world in governance, technology, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Indians in the UAE and across the world. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment towards building bridges of friendship and cooperation with partner countries around the world, especially the UAE, to address common global challenges and create a better future for all of humanity. Jai Hind! ■
