The Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC Dubai), operating under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day with grandeur at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. The event brought together over 450 diplomats, business leaders, and professionals in an evening that showcased Indian culture while unveiling new initiatives to strengthen India-UAE ties.
Chief Guest Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade , in a video message. highlighted India’s growing global stature and the strength of bilateral ties. “India has emerged as one of the most important global centers of innovation and advanced technology, while the UAE excels in logistics and emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has provided significant momentum to non-oil trade, which reached $65 billion in 2024 and grew 34% in the first half of 2025. These numbers prove the strength of constructive cross-border cooperation.”
Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, praised IBPC’s two-decade-long role in uniting business and professional communities. “IBPC was established with a mission to connect, empower, and catalyze. Today, it has become an institution integral to advancing India’s ambitions in the UAE. Bilateral trade has already crossed $100 billion, well ahead of schedule, and nearly 90,000 Indian companies are registered under Dubai Chambers. This confidence in the UAE’s business environment is a statement of trust and partnership.”
IBPC Dubai Chairman Siddharth Balachandran underscored the organization’s evolving role. “IBPC Dubai has evolved into more than just a business platform; it is a catalyst for bilateral growth, innovation, and community upliftment. This Independence Day, we honour not only India’s freedom but also the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership of the Indian diaspora contributing to the UAE’s future.”
The evening featured tricolour-themed décor, regional dance performances, Indian street food stalls, and a Thandai bar, capped by a performance from playback singer Anoop Shankar. Motorsport champion Diana Pundole, the first Indian woman to win a national motorsports title, inspired the gathering with her journey.
As part of its 2025–26 Activity Calendar, IBPC Dubai announced initiatives including a strategic delegation to India’s GIFT City, the relaunch of its sustainability program, a new Master Class on leadership and governance with the Institute of Directors (India), and expansion of professional verticals in law, taxation, technology, education, healthcare, and real estate. Community wellness was also spotlighted through the “Doctor on Call” initiative, presented by Pavan Sharma, MD & CEO of First Response Healthcare.
The event reinforced IBPC Dubai’s position as a bridge between India and the UAE, strengthening economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties while charting a course for future collaboration.
