Indian Ambassador Urges Youth to Drive UAE Progress as India Marks 80th Independence Day

India’s ambition to transform from a developing country into a developed nation in a 'golden age' marks the start of the 79th anniversary celebrations of independence from British colonial rule. Deepak Mittal, India's ambassador to the UAE, called on more than 4.5 million Indians in the Emirates, and particularly the young, to take the UAE with it on its journey and scale new heights as 'true friends' and partners.

As India begins celebrations for its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, the message is to work with the UAE to 'bounce back stronger together' amid the regional conflict. Deepak Mittal told The National in an interview that the aim is to energise the spirit of patriotism and nationalism, and to revive the commitment to make India a developed India or Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Performances of music and dance along with awards for art, poetry and quiz competitions will take place at the Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai on Saturday. The Indian tricolour flag will be unfurled globally in a Suryapath Tiranga Yatra or Sunpath Tricolour Journey on August 15 that follows the sun’s path, involving embassies and consulates from Fiji to San Francisco.

Indians have also been posting online photographs with the national flag for the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. Describing Indian expatriates as a 'strong, living bridge' with the UAE, Mr Mittal urged them to explore ways to contribute to India’s progress and take pride in their roots during this important golden age.

Addressing regional challenges, Mr Mittal praised the UAE leadership for ensuring the safety of residents during the Iran-US war, noting that hardly any Indians left the country and demonstrating deep confidence in the UAE and its leadership. He emphasized that the India-UAE partnership remains exceptionally strong, highlighting ongoing bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, defense, technology, and space, with plans to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032.