Swami outlines vision 2020

DUBAI - The Indian government's agenda is to work towards making the country a developed nation ' rather than being a developing one ' by the year 2020.

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Fri 10 Oct 2003, 12:06 PM

Last updated: Wed 1 Apr 2015, 11:32 PM

This, said I.D. Swami, the Indian Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, can be achieved with the full co-operation of the Indian daispora across the globe. Mr Swami was addressing an audience at a reception accorded to him by Indian Association Dubai yeterday, on his short visit to the emirate.

"This development can be achieved by the Indian government's vision and liberal policies, but what is also required is a concerted and dedicated effort from people like you, members of the Indian community abraod. Wherever in the world you are, each one of you is a representative of the country, and of the government," Mr Swami said.

Elaborating on the point, the minister noted that after the nuclear tests in Pokhran and the subsequent economic sanctions imposed on the country by a part of the international community, the Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had turned to the Indians living abroad, who, through their contribution, kept national development on track.

Mr Swami noted that, like in most places, the Indian expatriate community in the UAE has contributed immensely to its development, and added that the concern for the community's welfare that he saw in the high ranking officials in the Emirates was proof of this contribution.

He added that the UAE was keen on further developing its relation with India, particularly in the field of information technology, which he noted, happens to be the subcontinent's forte.

He lauded the members of the Indian community in Dubai for their achievements and called on them to continue with their good work.

His short visit to Dubai was preceded by his visit to the recently concluded security exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Earlier in the reception, Mr Swami, who was accompanied by Yash Sinha, the Indian Consul-General in Dubai, was welcomed by Mr K. Kumar, president of Indian Association Dubai.