UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, speaking at the plenary session at the Grand Hyatt in Abu Dhabi on February 24, 2025. / New India Abroad

The Indiaspora Forum for Good (IFG) kicked off in Abu Dhabi on February 24, 2025, bringing together leaders, diplomats, and changemakers at the Grand Hyatt to discuss pressing global issues and explore sustainable solutions. 

Chief guest Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, speaking at the summit’s opening session, acknowledged the importance of the forum, saying, "It is a delight to be in the presence of such imaginative, talented and dedicated global leaders. This summit is a very important event because of its focus on the generation of ideas and the exchange of knowledge around the major issues facing the world." 

The minister, while acknowledging the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in the UAE, said they provide “vitality” to the society and have earned “respect and prosperity” in their adopted homeland.

“Our dialogue and cooperation within a global community encourage the development of new ideas and initiatives that will benefit everyone. Your presence here in Abu Dhabi is an indication of the special relationship between our two countries,” he stated, emphasizing the growing bond between India and the UAE.

 

FedEx CEO and host committee member for the event, Raj Subramaniam, in his remarks, underscored the importance of creating an ecosystem for sustainable connections, especially as India’s global influence continues to expand.

He recounted how the global business community, particularly Indian-origin CEOs, rallied together to provide urgent assistance to India during the height of the COVID-19 crisis in 2021 and how he leveraged FedEx's logistics capabilities to facilitate the transportation of life-saving equipment. The collective business effort, Subramaniam said, showcased the power of collaboration in times of crisis.

"With this community, make one plus one ten," he urged the forum participants. "It’s that ecosystem we’re talking about here — how do we connect in a way that makes us more sustainable, especially in an environment where the opportunity for India, for the Indian community, and the Indian diaspora is only increasing." 

Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir, in his speech, reflected on the evolution of India’s global image, citing the growing role of the diaspora in shaping perceptions of India. "I must acknowledge your (diaspora’s) contribution to the growing role and image of India," he said. "You are not mere witnesses. Actually, you are the participants in this growing brand. India counts on you."

 He emphasized that India’s global perception has evolved significantly over the past decade, noting that the country is now seen not just as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, but as a "factor of peace and progress" in the world. 

The ambassador also highlighted the strategic importance of the UAE for India, noting, "The UAE is certainly India’s strongest strategic partner in the Middle East." He lauded the UAE for its remarkable transformation, from being heavily dependent on oil to becoming a hub for innovation, AI, and global business. He pointed out that the UAE is now a "magnet for global businesses and the diaspora." 

Amb @sunjaysudhir addressed the 1st Global Conference of INDIASPORA in Abu Dhabi.

H.H. Sheikh Nahyan @uaetolerance graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. pic.twitter.com/4qHU2B66ry

— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) February 24, 2025

Further, he praised the country’s initiatives like the first-of-its-kind Ministry of Tolerance, which was the driving force behind the establishment of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, which today stands as an important cultural hub attracting millions of visitors.

MR Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora, began his speech by recounting his experience at the Maha Kumbh, where he witnessed the selfless service by people and, more recently, the same at the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi. "All I saw there was selfless service by our community," he remarked, highlighting how this spirit of giving is central to the Indian DNA.

Reflecting on Indiaspora's early days, Rangswami shared, "When I started Indiaspora 13 years ago, it was just an idea in my mind. But soon, I found others who believed in this cause." Acknowledging founding members, he said they have helped shape Indiaspora into the influential network it is today adding that over 400 individuals fund its philanthrophic activities.

Rangaswami also paid tribute to his late nephew, Sreenivas, who played a key role in naming the organization and developing its early content. The name “Indiaspora” was inspired by the combination of “India” and “diaspora,” with the middle three letters, "dia," symbolizing "light in the darkness." Sreenivas's tragic passing due to brain cancer was a significant loss, but Rangaswami honored his legacy as an integral part of the organization’s journey.

Emphasizing the power of networking, Rangaswami underscored the power of the 300 million diaspora members around the world, with individuals from various fields, including doctors, lawyers, artists, CEOs, and academics, all contributing to the community’s strength. A core message of Rangaswami's speech was the importance of leaving a legacy for future generations. He highlighted the involvement of young voices at the forum, with about 40 young leaders attending as part of the next generation of Indiaspora’s movement.

The Indiaspora Forum for Global Good, with hundreds of participants from over 30 countries, aims to continue fostering collaboration within the global Indian community, with the potential to shape the future of India’s global engagement. As discussions unfold over the next few days the forum is poised to drive positive change across borders.