On the joyous occasion of India's 78th Independence Day, I extend heartfelt greetings to all Indians and our friends in the United Arab Emirates. Today, as we celebrate this significant day, we unite in pride and gratitude for the sacrifices of our ancestors, the vision of our leaders, and the resilience of our people. We not only commemorate our freedom but also reaffirm our dedication to the ideals that define our nation – democracy, diversity, and development for all.
Since independence in 1947, India has achieved remarkable progress across various sectors – from agriculture to technology, education to health, and space exploration. We have navigated numerous challenges, emerging as a leading economic power focused on sustainable development and as a global beacon of democracy. The recent national elections, which concluded in May, further demonstrated the strength of India's electoral democracy, with nearly a billion voters participating in a peaceful, free, and fair process.
India is not only a vibrant electoral democracy but also the world's fastest-growing large economy, a global leader in climate action, and a voice for the global south. Our achievements and actions have solidified these credentials. Today, I reflect on the strategic partnership between India and the UAE, a bond strengthened through history, culture, and shared aspirations for a better future.
The Indian diaspora in the UAE, over 3.5 million strong, plays a crucial role in this relationship, contributing significantly to the UAE's development. They are ambassadors of India's rich heritage and values, fostering goodwill between our nations. Economically, India and the UAE are key trading partners, with bilateral non-oil trade expected to reach $100 billion in the near future.
Digital payments are becoming a defining element of our economic partnership, with collaborations like the Jaywan card payment system based on RuPay. The introduction of UPI in the UAE will facilitate seamless payments for Indian tourists and NRIs. The recently signed Bilateral Investment Treaty and the Local Currency Settlement mechanism will further strengthen our economic ties.
Education and skill development are vital aspects of our partnership, with Indian and UAE institutions collaborating to enhance academic programs and vocational training. On the global stage, India and the UAE share a commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development, advocating for multilateralism and climate action.
Today, the India-UAE partnership stands as a model of friendship and cooperation. Both nations are investing in future-oriented industries such as deep tech, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, driving economic growth and global sustainable development. Together, we envision a future where India and the UAE continue to thrive as partners in progress, contributing to regional stability and global prosperity.
I extend my warmest Independence Day wishes to the people of India and our friends in the UAE. May our friendship endure, and may our nations prosper together as India marches towards becoming a Developed Nation by 2047. Jai Hind!
