Honouring freedom, inspiring the future: India's roadmap to global leadership

As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, we celebrate more than a historical milestone - we honour a nation that has emerged as a force for economic resilience, stellar growth and global leadership. The official theme this year “Honouring Freedom, Inspiring the Future” reminds us of the responsibility we carry: to respect the sacrifices that gave us our freedom, and to inspire the youth to boldly shape the future that lies ahead. Over the past decades, India's growth story has been nothing short of inspiring. From pioneering space missions to building digital public infrastructure that connects over a billion citizens, India has shown what's possible when innovation meets intent.

- Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare

For me, both as an Indian entrepreneur and a resident of the UAE for the last four decades, this occasion resonates deeply. It is a moment to honour the sacrifices of those who secured our freedom and celebrate those who have contributed to India's growth story while recommitting ourselves to the values of courage, peace and growth that our flag represents.

A NEW ERA OF INDIAN LEADERSHIP:

India today stands tall - not just as the world’s most populous democracy, but as a nation rapidly transforming into a global innovation and growth hub. Over the past year, India has marked several defining milestones that reflect its emergence as a global force in innovation, diplomacy, and inclusive growth. On the global stage, India's presidency of the G20 in 2023 laid the groundwork for a more equitable digital and financial order, and its impact continues to shape international collaborations in 2024 and beyond - including the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance and landmark rupee-dirham trade agreements with the UAE.