Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Indiaspora Forum for Food (IFG) 2025 Summit from February 23-26, 2025, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE has brought together prominent figures from the Indian diaspora to discuss global collaboration, innovation, and giving back to India. In this exclusive conversation with South Asian Herald, these leaders share the significance of the IFG 2025. They also talk about the importance of diaspora networking, economic synergies, and global impact; strengthening U.S.-India relations and fostering business and social impact initiatives; importance of selfless service and India’s economic rise and global expansion.
CEO Of FedEx Raj Subramanian (USA)
Indiaspora Forum for Food is a fantastic opportunity for the Indian community to connect and to form an ecosystem that can really increase the synergies of everyone working together.
Ajay Piramal (India), Chairman, Piramal Group
It is very important that Indian diaspora is doing very well globally. Their international impact, strong connection to India, and desire to give back are remarkable. So, this is a good opportunity to share views and to understand how we can work collaboratively. By working together, we can amplify our impact significantly. I’m delighted to see this initiative taking place.
Rich Verma (USA), Former Deputy Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State
It is an amazing gathering of the diaspora from across the world. I love the theme about how we can make the world a better place and bring people together. There’s a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm and it’s an honor to be here.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla (India), Former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to the United States
Indiaspora has played an indispensable role in bringing the Indian diaspora across the globe. But especially in the United States, closer to India, and in many senses, aligning the diaspora to India’s economic and other priorities. And in that context, I think the fact that Indiaspora is holding its first global conference in Abu Dhabi in the UAE is also very significant. Because, the event has brought together business leaders, not only from the United States and India, but also from the UAE and other parts of the Gulf region. I think this is a great initiative. What I can see is a very successful start to what I would think is going to become a regular trend. I think the role that MR Rangaswami and other leaders playing from the economic side of the diaspora in the United States is very important. And we can’t over emphasize what they’re doing.
Vijay Amritraj (USA), Commentator, Tennis Star
Indiaspora is a fantastic community gathering that brings people together, offering a unique opportunity to network across various fields. It allows individuals to share their strengths and life journeys, inspiring others with their success stories. More than just a platform for inspiration, it also serves as a valuable business opportunity, fostering connections that drive meaningful collaborations, with India at the forefront. As the global Indian diaspora continues to thrive, this moment presents an exciting opportunity for “sport,” to catch up with the remarkable achievements seen in business.
Vivek Oberoi (UAE), Actor/Real Estate Investor
I am the Goodwill Ambassador for Indiaspora. I know MR Rangaswami for a long time. I met him in New York with cricketer Kapil Dev and I saw what MR was trying to do with Indiaspora. I told him that the UAE has a great Indian diaspora, and I think Indiaspora can be a great bridge to connect the diaspora globally. Especially between the US, the UAE, and India. India has been trailblazing under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So, if you look at UPI, and LCSS, the local currency settlement system – these are enablers. But unless we utilize these enablers and really build value around these enabling ecosystems that the governments are participatively building, it will go to waste. China has done this very successfully, but they’re driven through state owned companies. Indians have the entrepreneurial DNA, and we should do that part. Because as entrepreneurs, we’ll be able to do work effectively to achieve wider impact. I have taken multiple companies public in India. I’m taking four more public this year. We’re seeing the value creation happen. But India should not be the final Bastion. As an Indian company we should go global. And I think that’s the whole idea of bringing this network together is to bring general good, create harmony, and create value beyond wealth. So, the first step in my book is money. After money, you go towards wealth. Money is different from wealth. Money is individual. Money is transactional. Wealth is participative. You can bring people on to participate with you in the growth journey in wealth. Once you achieve wealth, then you try to create value. And value goes beyond just monetary terms.
Deepak Raj (USA), Founder & Managing Director, Pratham USA
I am here because the world is going through significant changes, and I think that we need to really reassert our key values of seva (service). We have to do things for others. We have to do them without any expectation of getting things back.
Karan Bilimoria (UK), Lord, House of Lords, UK Parliament
This conference holds significant importance, especially in these uncertain times we are facing globally. With 30 million people of Indian origin excelling across various fields, they have become a source of pride for all of India. These individuals are, in many ways, the daily ambassadors for India worldwide. I feel privileged to be in such a position in the UK. What makes this conference so special is that it not only celebrates the accomplishments of the Indian diaspora but also highlights their contributions to society—through social impact, environmental efforts, and promoting women entrepreneurship, among others. I truly admire MR Rangaswami’s dedication to this cause. This conference is bound to be a powerful catalyst for many positive changes. Personally, I feel like I’ve experienced the British dream, having come to the UK as a 19-year-old student from India, then building Cobra Beer into a household name, and later joining Parliament as one of the youngest members of the House of Lords.
The UK has given me all these opportunities. So, I’m always very proud to be British, I’m proud to be an Asian in Britain, and I’m proud to be a Zoroastrian Parsi. However, most of all, I’m proud to be Indian. And I would always be proud of my Indian roots.
Aarti Ramaswami (France), Executive Vice President, ESSEC Business School
Over two days this conference is a testament to the power of collective efforts, bringing innovation and creativity to spur pragmatic solutions for challenges and opportunities across sectors and across the world. I was really happy to meet leaders of Indian origin making a real difference, to learn from their experiences and stories, and bond over what unites us all – our Indian roots, Indian values, and India related interests. Beyond this, I’m particularly struck by the humility, camaraderie, and sense of humor that participants have brought to conversations…
Ashwin Ramaswami (USA), CTO and Co-Founder, Corridor
I’m here to connect with other leaders of the Indian diaspora. I’m part of the new voices group, which is a group of young leaders who are showing the way to the future. And I’m glad to be here. I spoke at a panel talking about my own campaign for Georgia Senate and what I’m working on now in cybersecurity and AI. It’s always an inspiration to see what others are doing and to see how I can connect with them.
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