India’s Minister of State, V Muralidharan, embarked on a two-day visit to the UAE, reinforcing the economic and cultural ties between India and the UAE. The visit was marked by a series of industrial tours that began with Ashok Leyland in Ras Al Khaimah where Muralidharan bore witness to the company’s growth trajectory. In a strategic move designed to showcase India’s burgeoning manufacturing prowess, Muralidharan proposed a unique initiative to invite diplomats from African countries to the company’s Pant Nagar plant at Uttarakhand.

Ashok Leyland presented a comprehensive overview of its operations, showcasing substantial growth from an initial capacity of 2,000 vehicles per annum to the current impressive capacity of 6,000 vehicles per annum. To ensure effective workforce training, Muralidharan emphasised the significance of understanding skill requirements. He also called for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Skill Development Yojana to elevate workforce skills. Muralidharan also visited several businesses, including Dabur International and Helios Cosmetics and Perfumes Ltd., while stressing on the increasingly robust economic relationships between India and the UAE. Muralidharan also interacted with members of the Indian Relief Committee and Indian Business and Professional Council at RAK Hotel.

Earlier, while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural event of the second International Ayush Conference, he expressed enthusiasm for the conference’s focal theme, “Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases – Prevention & Management through AYUSH” and highlighted AYUSH as a prevention-oriented and cost-effective approach to creating a disease-free society.

Muralidharan also addressed concerns raised by the Indian community in the UAE and shared insights into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming engagement with the Indian Diaspora, fostering a sense of anticipation and unity among members of the community. The minister’s commitment to the well-being of the Indian Diaspora is a critical facet of his role. The visit also served as a testament to the strong bilateral relations and the importance of cultural and people-to-people connections for mutual welfare.