Burj Khalifa glows in tricolour as world leaders mark India's 80th Independence Day

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was illuminated in the colors of the Indian tricolour, saffron, white, and green, on Friday evening to commemorate India’s 80th Independence Day. The display took place as world leaders extended greetings to India, underscoring the nation’s growing influence and deepening diplomatic ties with key partners. The lighting ceremony occurred just hours before the official celebration began in New Delhi. Images and videos shared by the Consulate General of India in Dubai captured the moment when the iconic skyscraper transformed into a beacon of India’s national flag. Onlookers gathered near the base of the tower, expressing admiration for the spectacle. A tweet from the Consulate described the display as “a spectacular tribute to India’s journey, pride and spirit,” emphasizing the symbolic significance of the gesture. The Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 meters, has become a regular participant in commemorating major international events and national celebrations. Its illumination in the Indian tricolour marks a tradition that reflects the strong people-to-people connections between India and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE hosts one of the largest Indian expatriate communities globally, and bilateral relations have grown substantially in areas such as trade, investment, technology, energy, and cultural exchange. French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first world leaders to send his congratulations. He expressed his best wishes to the Indian people on their 80th Independence Day. Russian President Vladimir Putin extended greetings to both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling Russia-India relations a “particularly privileged strategic partnership.” He noted that cooperation between the two nations continues to expand across various sectors and praised their coordinated efforts in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio from the United States conveyed Washington’s congratulations, stating that the U.S.-India relationship was stronger than ever. He emphasized that increasing collaboration contributes to security and prosperity in the broader Indian Ocean region. British officials also participated in the celebrations, with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office sending well-wishes to Indians living in Britain, India, and other parts of the world. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lauded India’s achievements over the past eight decades, referring to the country as the world’s largest democracy and the fastest-growing major economy. He expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in emerging sectors and acknowledged the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties. Leaders from India’s neighboring regions and beyond also used the occasion to reaffirm longstanding partnerships. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu reiterated his commitment to advancing cooperation with India, while Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkia also extended his greetings, though specific remarks were not detailed in the available reports.