India and Pakistan celebrated their 69th Independence Day on 15 August 2015.
The end of the British colonial rule in 1947 marked the creation of two independent states, namely Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. “Independence Day” is celebrated widely in both the countries, with flags from the respective countries hoisted in schools and colleges, and at government buildings and major landmarks.
Almost right after the celebrations in India, Mr. Narendra Modi the country’s Prime Minister headed to the UAE for an official visit on 16 August, a first by an Indian head of government in 30 years. The visit was quintessentially deemed as “Modi-like”, that is, a warm embrace for Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a pitch for trade and investment and an allocution in the midst of Dubai’s large and vibrant Indian community that bore resemblance to his address at Madison Square Garden in New York last year.
