Dubai, April 24, 2025: A solemn moment of reflection marked the closing day of the SCM Middle East Conclave & Awards 2025 in Dubai, as Hon’ble Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind and Former Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi observed two minutes of silence to honour the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

Over 400 participants, including diplomats, business leaders, and delegates from across India and the Middle East, stood in silence, honoring the lives lost and affirming a shared commitment to peace and resilience in the face of violence. The collective silence served not only as a mark of respect but as a unified stand against extremism, reaffirming a shared commitment to peace, solidarity, and humanity across borders. The moment transcended protocol, it was a heartfelt pause in time that reminded all present of our shared vulnerability, and our even greater strength when united. In that silence, a powerful message resonated: that acts of terror may wound, but they will never divide.[PG1] 

Hosted by Logistics Shakti, the two-day conclave has emerged as a pivotal platform for shaping the future of global logistics and trade. With Shri Ram Nath Kovind as Chief Guest and H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy UAE, as Guest of Honour, the event convened top CEOs, investors, and policymakers from India, the UAE, and across the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). The conclave underscored IMEC’s transformative potential, with projections showing shipments from India to mainland Europe could arrive 40% faster and at 30% lower cost compared to the traditional Suez Canal route. The event’s agenda included impactful sessions such as “Pioneering Connectivity: Unlocking the Potential of the IME Corridor” and “Bharat Mart: Unlocking Global Markets and Strengthening India-UAE Synergies”. The SCM Awards recognized excellence in innovation and leadership within the supply chain sector.[PG2] 

Hon’ble Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind emphasized – “The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is more than a trade route—it’s a bridge of prosperity and shared futures. In an interconnected world, such partnerships fuel growth and unity. India, now a global growth engine in tech, diplomacy, and innovation, exemplifies this progress. Let us shape a collective future, guided by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.”

Highlighting the UAE’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive efficiency and sustainability in global trade, His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy UAE stated- “The UAE is at the heart of a global trade transformation, driven by technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships. Our $815 billion non-oil foreign trade in 2024 showcases economic strength and our focus on inclusive, tech-enabled growth. Initiatives like the Trade Tech Accelerator, CEPA, and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor are creating faster, greener, and more agile supply chains. Powered by AI, blockchain, and automation, we aim to boost transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. In partnership with India, we’re building a smarter trade ecosystem that ensures lasting prosperity for our nations and the region.”

Smt.Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, shared in a passionate speech – “Two forces shape our world—those advancing peace and prosperity, and those driven by conflict. The IMEC Corridor embodies the former. Not a rival to the Suez Canal but a vital alternative, it ensures continuity when conventional routes fail. Spanning India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, this multimodal network blends land, sea, and rail to deliver faster, cost-effective, and secure trade. IMEC represents strategic cooperation where economic growth and regional security are intertwined. As India and the UAE deepen ties, this initiative emerges as a global model—powered by both infrastructure and trust—for sustainable growth in a connected, yet fragile world.”

“This conclave is more than an event, it is a movement to build trust-based, technology-driven supply chains for tomorrow,” said Kamal Narayan Omer, Co-founder of Logistics Shakti.

As the curtains fell on SCM 2025, the industry moved forward with renewed commitment to global unity, resilience, and sustainable trade, anchored in the spirit of peace and partnership. It left behind not just business insights, but a sense of shared humanity[PG3] , an acknowledgment that peace, unity, and progress are best pursued together.

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