Landmark Event to Drive India-UAE Strategic Dialogue on Trade, Digital Economy, GIFT City, CEPA, and Cultural Ties
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Following the announcement of Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, as Chief Guest for the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai’s 22nd Anniversary Conclave, the organization has released a high-level agenda spotlighting key areas of bilateral cooperation, economic development, and professional synergy between India and the UAE.
Shri Ram Nath Kovind
Set to take place on 25th April 2025 at the Taj Exotica in Dubai, the 22nd Anniversary Conclave will unfold as a compelling narrative of progress, partnership, and purpose spotlighting India’s path to Viksit Bharat and the UAE’s growing role as a strategic partner in this journey.
The evening will feature thought-provoking conversations led by distinguished guests including HE Sanjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, and Ms. Maha Al Gargawi, Vice President of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers. Leadership from IBPC Dubai, including Chairman Siddharth Balachandran, Secretary General Dr. Sahitya Chaturvedi and Vice President Sunil Sinha, will also share insights into the Council’s renewed vision and expanding role.
At the heart of the evening will be the keynote address by HE Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, titled “Leading the Legacy.” His address is expected to offer a powerful reflection on leadership, progress, and India’s global future.
In addition, the conclave will include a powerful cultural segment titled “Miracle on Wheels,” an acclaimed performance that celebrates inclusion and the power of the human spirit, featuring differently abled artists who are globally recognized for their awe-inspiring storytelling through dance.
The event also marks a significant moment for the Indian business community in the UAE, as IBPC celebrates Members’ Engagement—a recognition of the community’s growing contributions. This comes amid a dynamic shift in IBPC’s membership strategy, now reimagined to be more inclusive of women, youth, and emerging professionals, as the Council broadens its reach and deepens engagement with a wider audience.
IBPC Dubai’s role in recent high-level diplomatic engagements will also be acknowledged, particularly its strong representation during the recent visit of HH Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum to India. IBPC stalwarts Ramesh Ramakrishnan and Siddharth Balachandran played a pivotal role in enabling high-level interactions during the visit reflecting IBPC’s rising profile as a strategic convener, actively contributing to conversations that are shaping the future of bilateral cooperation.
“Our representation marks another defining moment in IBPC’s journey—from participant to powerful catalyst in strengthening ties between the two nations,” said Siddharth Balachandran, Chairman of IBPC Dubai. “IBPC is at the forefront of high-stakes conversations—from CEPA, the India UAE Friendship Hospital and GIFT City to tech and sustainability—cementing its role as a key driver of bilateral impact.”
A central focus of the conclave is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with discussions on how this landmark deal is reshaping investment flows, market access, and ease of doing business between India and the UAE. Discussions will also spotlight developments around GIFT City, India’s international financial hub, and the expanding engagement with UAE-based institutions, fintech players, and capital market stakeholders. The agenda includes a strong emphasis on the digital economy, highlighting technology’s role in boosting trade efficiency, transparency, and the growing shift toward local currency settlements in cross-border transactions. In line with the Viksit Bharat vision, IBPC will officially launch the Viksit Bharat Series—a strategic initiative to drive sector-specific delegations to key Indian states including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa, with a focus on tourism, sustainability, and innovation-led growth. Additionally, plans for the India-UAE Friendship Hospital will be reiterated, underscoring the commitment to long-term people-to-people ties and shared humanitarian goals.
In addition to bilateral economic topics, the conclave will highlight IBPC’s upcoming engagements with the Ministry of Ayush to advance India’s leadership in organic and medicinal knowledge systems. The proposed collaboration will explore knowledge exchange and commercial partnerships in traditional medicine, aiming to elevate India’s footprint in the global wellness economy.
Dr. Sahitya Chaturvedi, Secretary General of IBPC Dubai, added, “This conclave is where vision meets action. We are creating long-term pathways for investment, cultural diplomacy, and digital cooperation that can redefine India’s engagement with not just the UAE, but with the broader Gulf and European regions. IBPC’s mission remains rooted in enabling strategic, sustainable, and inclusive growth for Indian professionals and businesses abroad.”
The 22nd Anniversary Conclave is expected to draw an influential audience of business leaders, senior government officials, diplomats, innovators, and academics, all converging in Dubai to celebrate IBPC’s legacy and co-create the future of India-UAE partnerships.
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