Jaishankar Joins 10th International Yoga Day Celebrations in Abu Dhabi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the 10th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, as reported by ANI. The event was held at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, where Jaishankar, accompanied by Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, led the festivities.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar expressed his enthusiasm: “Joined international yoga enthusiasts @LouvreAbuDhabi as we celebrate the #InternationalDayofYoga 2024 in the UAE,” ANI reported.

During his remarks before the yoga session, Jaishankar emphasised that while Yoga is an Indian tradition, it has evolved into a universal practice. He noted that the International Day of Yoga has served as a powerful motivator and unifier, fostering global connections and promoting a healthier, happier planet, ANI reported.

Joined international yoga enthusiasts @LouvreAbuDhabi as we celebrate the #InternationalDayofYoga 2024 in the UAE. #IDY2024#YogaForSelfAndSociety https://t.co/soEECSEDbX pic.twitter.com/AM3KpH3WA6

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 23, 2024

“I am really very happy to be able to join so many of you today in Abu Dhabi. I happen to be here today and I heard about the event, and I agree with you that Yoga is an Indian tradition, but it has now become a truly universal practice,” Jaishankar remarked, according to ANI.

He added, “We are very pleased to see in the last 10 years how the International Day of Yoga has acted as a motivation, a magnet, and a method of gathering people, spreading the practice, and keeping the planet happier, healthier, and more connected. It’s a great pleasure to join you all this evening,” ANI reported.

This year’s celebration marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga, which is observed on June 21. The United Nations adopted a resolution proposed by India in December 2014 to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on this date, coinciding with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, according to ANI.

Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to the UAE, also visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. He described the temple as a significant cultural bridge between India and the UAE, ANI reported.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar’s visit aims to review the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE, as well as to discuss regional and global developments, ANI reported.