Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid wishes India a happy Independence Day in Hindi

Vice President and Ruler of Dubai underlined UAE's commitment to taking ties with India to new heights in social media message

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has paid tribute to India on its 77th Independence Day. Wam

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Tuesday paid tribute to the “great nation” of India on its 77th Independence Day.

Sheikh Mohammed hailed a “joyous occasion” for the UAE's long-standing ally in a message on social media, which he signed off with a congratulatory note in Hindi.

“Swatantrata Diwas," Sheikh Mohammed wrote. The phrase translates as Independence Day.

He lauded long-standing ties between the UAE and India that he believes will be propelled to “new heights”.

“As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day, I extend my congratulations to the leadership and the people of this great nation,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.

“On this joyous occasion, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to building a future of shared prosperity and growth, elevating our partnership to new heights, and exploring new horizons of political, economic, and cultural relations.

“Happy Independence Day, Swatantrata Diwas!”

Colourful celebrations have been held across India, the UAE – and all over the globe – to mark the day India broke away from British rule.

At the Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi, 30 singers and dancers from the Malhaar group performed a concert called Teri Mitti or Soil of the Motherland as a tribute to India’s expatriate population.

The saffron, white and green colours of the Indian flag were on display as performers sang a medley of popular patriotic songs from Bollywood movies.

Sunjay Sudhir, India's ambassador to the UAE, spoke of the country’s vision for a prosperous future for all during his address at the event.

“On this date, 76 years ago, we broke free from the yoke of colonialism and centuries of exploitation by our colonisers and were born as a free nation,” Mr Sudhir said.

“Our forefathers, through unwavering determination, sacrifices and a vision for a brighter future, paved the way for the India that we know today.

"They ignited the spark of independence that still burns bright in our hearts and it is our responsibility to carry that flame forward."

Mr Sudhir also spoke of the strides taken by the world’s largest democracy that is now the fifth-largest economy.

India presides over the G20 and next month will host the leaders’ summit in Delhi at which President Sheikh Mohamed will be present.

“While the global economy stares at recession, India has been a ray of hope and optimism,” Mr Sudhir said.

An enduring friendship

“We should all be proud of these achievements. In our journey, we have always counted on our friends – the UAE being one of our closest and strongest friends.”

He described the UAE’s vibrant Indian community as ambassadors of goodwill and as “one of the most critical socio-economic pillars of strength of the UAE as well as of India-UAE relations.

”The number of Indian citizens in the Emirates has crossed 3.5 million making it the largest group of Indians overseas," Mr Sudhir said.

“Your success stories serve as a testament to the remarkable spirit of the Indian people – a spirit that knows no bounds. Your contribution to the economy and development of the UAE is widely recognised."

The UAE and India have forged close links over the years across various fields, including economy, education and culture.

The number of Indians living in the UAE now stands at 3.554 million, with more than 130,000 making the move since the end of last year, figures show.

India's Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, announced the latest migration numbers at a session of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the country's parliament, on Saturday.

He said the number had increased from 3.419 million at the end of 2022, with the UAE remaining the most popular destination for Indian citizens seeking work overseas.