New CG praises role of Indian diaspora in UAE

DUBAI - The new Indian Consul-General, Yash Sinha, has said that he would look into the space constraints and overcrowding that has lately affected the working of the Indian consulate in Dubai. He also said that he will request the Government of India for improved infrastructural facilities necessary for catering to the growing expatriate Indian community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

By Debasree S.

Published: Thu 14 Aug 2003, 12:51 PM

Last updated: Wed 1 Apr 2015, 10:13 PM

Mr Sinha, who was making his first public appearance since joining office on July 11, was speaking at a welcome reception organised in his honour on Tuesday evening. He said that he was aware of the constraints in space as well as staff and he would take up the matter with the Indian government, so that better consular services could be offered to Indian expatriates. "The Indian consulate was built at a time when the expatriate Indian population in Dubai and the Northern Emirates was around 300,000... Now the numbers have gone beyond one million, necessitating a corresponding increase in infrastructure, staff and facilities. Bear with us and we will soon find a solution to this problem," he said.

"It is a matter of great pride and privilege for me to be the Consul-General of a country which has such a strong presence in the UAE," he said. "I am honoured that the Government of India has chosen me to undertake such a challenging task," he told the creme de la creme of the Indian community who were present on the occasion.

The Indian Consul-General also paid rich tributes to the benign leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, and other members of the ruling family.

A seasoned diplomat, Mr Sinha described his new assignment as a "humbling experience" and said that his doors would always be open for any member of the Indian community who wants to share their problems and experiences.

Earlier, the President of the Indian Association Dubai (IAD), Khushi Khatwani welcomed Mr Singh and said that the entire Indian community was looking to build and share a mutually rewarding relationship. The vote of thanks was delivered by K.Kumar, IAD Vice-President and convenor of the Indian Community Welfare Committee (ICWC).