Dubai’s Burj Khalifa was illuminated in the Indian Tricolour to mark India’s 80th Independence Day. The display and messages from world leaders highlighted India’s expanding global ties.
Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa lit up in the colours of the Indian national flag on Friday night, joining celebrations of India’s 80th Independence Day and symbolising the close ties between India and the United Arab Emirates.
Images and videos shared by the Consulate General of India in Dubai showed the world’s tallest building illuminated in saffron, white and green, drawing applause from onlookers. In a post on X, the Consulate described the display as “a spectacular tribute to India’s journey, pride and spirit” and said it reflected the enduring friendship between India and the UAE.
As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, the magnificent Burj Khalifa lights up in the vibrant hues of the Tiranga—a spectacular tribute to India’s journey, pride and spirit. 🇮🇳
A celebration of the enduring India–UAE friendship and the bonds that bring our two nations… pic.twitter.com/IBxW0htDwX
— India in Dubai (@cgidubai) August 15, 2026
The dazzling tribute came as governments and leaders across the world extended greetings to India on the landmark occasion, highlighting the country’s growing global influence and reaffirming commitments to deepen bilateral cooperation.
A GLOBAL LANDMARK CELEBRATES INDIA
Standing at 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure in the world and one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks. The skyscraper frequently lights up to mark major international events, national celebrations and global causes. Its illumination in the colours of the Indian tricolour has become a recurring feature during India’s Independence Day celebrations, reflecting the deep people-to-people connections between the two countries.
The UAE is home to one of the largest Indian expatriate communities in the world, and India-UAE ties have expanded significantly in recent years across trade, investment, technology, energy and cultural exchanges.
WORLD LEADERS EXTEND GREETINGS
Among the first major international messages was one from French President Emmanuel Macron, who congratulated the Indian people on their 80th Independence Day.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing Russia-India relations as a “particularly privileged strategic partnership”. He said cooperation between the two countries continued to expand across multiple sectors and praised their close coordination in forums such as the United Nations, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
From the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed Washington’s congratulations, saying the relationship between the two democracies was stronger than ever. He noted that growing collaboration was contributing to security and prosperity in the wider Indian Ocean region.
British officials also joined the celebrations, with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office wishing Indians in Britain, India and around the world a happy Independence Day.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised India’s remarkable progress over the past eight decades, describing the country as the world’s largest democracy and the fastest-growing major economy. He said Australia looked forward to expanding cooperation in emerging sectors and credited the Indian diaspora for strengthening bilateral ties.
NEIGHBOURS AND PARTNERS REAFFIRM COOPERATION
Leaders from India’s neighbourhood and beyond used the occasion to underline the importance of long-standing 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 countries.
