Kiran Sharma

T he spirit of Maha Shivaratri transcended borders as thousands of Telugu NRIs, along with other Indian Hindus, gathered to celebrate the festival in the Gulf region. Devotion and cultural pride were on full display, as the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi resonated with the powerful chants of ‘Hara Hara Mahadeva,’ creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. From the early hours of the morning, devotees thronged the temple to perform Rudrabhishekam , a sacred ritual offering to Lord Shiva. The rhythmic recitation of Vedic hymns, the fragrance of sandalwood, and the divine energy of the temple made the celebration truly special. Many families also performed Laghanasya Rudrabhishekam  in their homes, ensuring that the essence of Maha Shivaratri was deeply felt beyond the temple walls. For the Telugu NRI community in the UAE, Maha Shivaratri is not just a religious observance—it is a celebration of their heritage and identity. Despite being miles away from their homeland, they uphold t...

In a significant diplomatic move, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, accompanied by her full cabinet of Commissioners, is set to visit India this week. This rare overseas travel by the entire European Commission leadership underscores Brussels' strategic intent to deepen ties with India across a range of sectors, from trade and technology to climate action and global security. A Rare and Strategic Visit It is uncommon for the President of the European Commission and the entire College of Commissioners to undertake a joint foreign visit. This high-level engagement highlights the growing importance of India in the EU's global outlook. The visit is expected to further strengthen the EU-India Strategic Partnership, which has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Trade and Investment Relations The EU is India's second-largest trading partner and a key investor in critical sectors. Discussions are expected to revolve around accelerating negotiations on the EU-I...

The new bilateral investment treaty ("BIT") between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which came into force on 31 August 2024, has introduced significant legal advancements. Replacing the earlier 2013 treaty, the BIT not only strengthens trade relations but also addresses longstanding concerns regarding the enforcement of investor-State awards in India. One of its most notable provisions is the explicit classification of arbitration awards as "commercial," aligning them with the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards ("NYC"). Implications for Enforcement of Foreign Awards India has historically imposed hurdles in enforcing foreign investor-State awards, primarily due to its interpretation of the NYC. India is not a signatory to the ICSID Convention, making the NYC the principal mechanism for enforcing foreign arbitral awards. However, India's application of the NYC has been constrained by its reservation that l...

I ndia’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, developed through a strategic collaboration with Russia, is making waves in the global defense market. With its unmatched speed, precision, and firepower, the missile has become a sought-after asset for several nations. Reports indicate that Middle Eastern powerhouses such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are expressing strong interest in acquiring the land-based variant of BrahMos. This marks a significant milestone for India’s defense exports and geopolitical influence. BrahMos: The Pride of India's Defense Innovation BrahMos is one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world, capable of achieving speeds up to Mach 3.0. It can be launched from land, sea, air, and even undersea platforms, making it a versatile and formidable weapon. Designed for precision strikes, BrahMos can neutralize high-value targets with surgical accuracy, making it a valuable addition to any nation’s defense arsenal. Why Are UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt Intere...

In a heartwarming recognition of selfless service, the Consulate General of India in Dubai recently honored AIM India Forum with an Appreciation Award for its remarkable contribution to the Indian community in the UAE. This accolade celebrates the Forum's unwavering dedication to assisting distressed Indian nationals during the UAE Government’s Amnesty Initiative launched in September 2024. A Mission of Hope and Humanity The UAE Government introduced the Amnesty Initiative to uphold the principles of law, tolerance, compassion, and social cohesion. AIM India Forum was invited by the Indian Consulate to collaborate in this humanitarian effort. Rising to the occasion, the Forum’s Founder President, Shirali Shaikh Muzaer, along with board member Mohammad Niyaz, dedicated four months of tireless service to this noble cause. Their efforts were supported by prominent community organizations, including Dubai KMCC, IPF, FOI UAE, and others. Bridging the Gap: Amnesty Help Desk at the Indian...

The India-UAE trade relationship is poised for an ambitious expansion, as both nations gear up to extend their landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to eight new sectors. This move is expected to push annual bilateral trade well beyond the $100 billion mark, a milestone that has already been achieved ahead of schedule. Beyond Traditional Trade: New Sectors in Focus The CEPA, signed in 2022 when bilateral trade stood at $60 billion, marked the UAE’s first comprehensive trade deal. Now, the agreement is set to encompass key emerging industries, including: Artificial Intelligence Financial Services Digital Technologies Logistics Value-added Trade And more… According to Dr. Sahitya Chaturvedi, Secretary General of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), the deal has only tapped into about 40% of its potential so far. “We have reached the targets far ahead of schedule,” he said, highlighting the vast room for further growth. Diversifying Beyond Oil and Ge...

February 2025 is set to be an exciting month for professionals in the tourism , hospitality, and travel industries, as a series of influential trade shows and conferences take place around the globe. These events serve as prime opportunities for networking, exploring emerging trends, and fostering business growth. Whether you are a hospitality investor, travel entrepreneur, or tourism enthusiast, these gatherings provide invaluable insights into the future of global travel. Here’s a detailed look at the top tourism and hospitality events happening this February. Brazil Tourism and Hospitality Summit (11 – 12 February, Orlando, Florida, USA) This prestigious summit serves as a vital link between the tourism industries of Brazil and Florida, two key players in the global travel market. The event focuses on enhancing economic ties, trade opportunities, and tourism investment between the two regions. Key discussion points include: Sustainable tourism initiatives Innovations in hospitality ...

The UAE is set to take center stage in February 2025, hosting a series of world-class events, conferences, and exhibitions that highlight its leadership across various sectors. From defense and governance to entrepreneurship, culture, and photography, the country will welcome global leaders, industry experts, and innovators, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for international collaboration. Showcasing the Future of Global Defense One of the most anticipated events is the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX), taking place from February 17-21 in Abu Dhabi. These prestigious exhibitions will showcase cutting-edge innovations in defense technology, including land, air, unmanned, and maritime systems. With global defense leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers in attendance, IDEX and NAVDEX will reaffirm the UAE’s role in shaping the future of global security. Aviation and Global Governance Take the Spotlight Abu Dhabi will also ho...