Progressive ties on display

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Progressive ties on display

Notable UAE-based dignitaries and businessmen share their thoughts on Republic Day

by

Suchitra Steven Samuel

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Published: Sun 29 Jan 2017, 1:59 PM

Last updated: Sun 29 Jan 2017, 5:00 PM

Bonds as deep as family ties

Mirza Al Sayegh, Secretary to Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
and Member of Board of National OIl Co. and Oilfields Supply Centre


The Indian community is the best in Dubai. We look at them with great pride, affection and love. India is a country with lot of potential, and we have been trading with it for a long time. Various successive Indian governments have been following liberal policies and encouraging investments in the country.
The bond is not restricted to business, but goes much beyond to that of a family. Interaction is a simple phrase; it is a deeper, inter-relationship based on understanding, friendship and mutual benefit.
Miraj is a city in south Maharashtra that is renowned for its medical treatment. Emiratis visit this place for medical treatment. I have been to the city several times to visit patients who were undergoing medical treatment. I am proud of the relationship. I am also proud and happy that the Crown Prince of Dubai will be the Chief Guest in New Delhi.
Boost in bilateral initiatives

Adeeb Ahamed, CEO, LuLu Exchange

It is a historic moment to have His Highness Sheikh  Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as the chief guest for India's Republic Day 2017.
The UAE and India have a very close historical bond and continue to share mutually beneficial strategic partnerships in various fields. I believe this visit will build on the excellent economic and trade ties between the two countries, and boost cultural, diplomatic and military ties as well.
We look forward to a truly fruitful visit by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and hope it will further strengthen the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

Witnessing a new momentum in friendship

Vinay Varma, Managing Director, The Royal Orchid Group

The UAE and India have always shared a robust relationship, but in the four and a half decades I have been in the emirates, this is the first time I am witnessing a new momentum in this friendship. This looks very positive and I feel proud. It will not only benefit the Indian community in the UAE, but also lend an impetus to investments between both countries. The younger generation is surely going to reap the benefits in the future.

Strengthened multifaceted partnership

Y Sudhir Kumar Shetty, President, UAE Exchange Group
(Shetty is also a member of the special delegation to India)

The visit by His Highness Sheikh  Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as Chief Guest on Indian Republic Day in New Delhi, is yet another step towards strengthening India-UAE relations. This special delegation will boost bilateral initiatives between the countries. The second visit of the Crown Prince in less than a year is testament to strengthening ties. It will foster strategic partnership in technology, ordinance, trade, energy, etc. The UAE Government's decision to invest $75 billion in India will add impetus to the economy of India, encourage opportunities in business and employment, while enhancing aspects like intelligence sharing, coordination with security agencies, etc. This will strengthen efforts to counter terrorism and informal channels of remittances.

History in the making

Suresh Basantani, Managing Director, Yugoslavian Furniture Co.

It is good news for every Indian in the UAE that ties between the two countries are reaching new heights. As old-time expatriates, we have built our fortunes in the country, while retaining bonds with our homeland. It is a matter of great pride to see the leaders of both countries cementing their bond through this state visit. History is being made and I am happy to witness it."
Reminiscent of a significant meeting

Tushar Patni, Managing Director, Ajanta Jewellers, Abu Dhabi

I was hardly 12 years old when Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, visited the UAE in 1981. I still remember how I stood along the corniche to watch her and the late Sheikh  Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's procession. I felt the same pride when I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his UAE visit. This strengthening of ties between the two countries will definitely have a positive impact for the business community.
Alike in vision and outlook

K Muraleedharan, Chairman and Managing Director, SFC Group


It is a fulfilling moment for the Indian diaspora in the UAE, as His Highness Sheikh  Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is the honoured Chief Guest of the 68th Republic Day Parade of India at New Delhi. This is yet another milestone in the ever-growing bilateral relation between the two nations. The enhanced vibrancy and harmony that we witness in the present milieu is the result of great leadership in both countries that have a wider vision beyond boundaries.
India and the UAE shared a close bond over centuries, where people experience the joy of living and unconditional love since time immemorial. Humanity thrives given first place above all aspects, which is evident from the multitude of races, faiths and cultures that co-exist with unity and harmony in both the nations. The two nations are much alike in their vision and outlook; in adopting innovation, implementing holistic welfare measures for the people, cordial international relations, promoting culture and heritage, etc.
The one million-plus Indian expatriate community should do their part to further foster this cooperation, creating more avenues for investment, commerce, job opportunities and cultural exchange.


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