A Dubai-based Indian businessman Ramesh Ramakrishnan, chairman of the Transworld Group of Companies will be honoured by the Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Friday with the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians (Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award).
Fondly known as “Ramesh”, Ramakrishnan is among the 27 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) or an institution established and run by the NRIs or PIOs who will be recognised for outstanding achievements both in India and abroad as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention.
Iyer has won the 2025 PBSA for his contributions to the business sector, according to an announcement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He will receive the award during the valedictory session of the 18th edition of the PBD Convention, which is being held from January 8-10 at Bhubaneswar in the east Indian state of Odisha.
“I am extremely humbled and delighted,” he said, describing it as a great honour from his motherland with a unique significance.
“Being acknowledged by the Government of India is an honour I will cherish for a lifetime. It is a moment of great pride.”
Hailing from the south Indian state of Kerala, Iyer attributed his success to the strong bonds between the UAE and India and the support of the large Indian expatriate community, particularly the Malayali community, whose contributions have significantly shaped the UAE’s growth.
“This award is not just mine—it belongs to every Indian expatriate here, especially the Keralites here. Their dedication and contributions have been monumental. This recognition from India acknowledges the collective efforts of all Indians in this country.”
Strengthening UAE-India relations
Iyer highlighted the flourishing trade and business ties between the UAE and India, describing them as being at their strongest. He underscored the importance of involving the younger generation in further strengthening this relationship.
“I would like to encourage youngsters to engage actively in initiatives that bolster ties between our nations. The goal is to make trade faster, simpler, and more beneficial for enterprises from both countries.”
He expressed optimism about continued growth. “Our predecessors have done remarkable work in this region and it is our responsibility to take these achievements to greater heights.”
Iyer said he collaborates with business associations and local bodies to promote the cause of Indians in the UAE, which includes skill development of blue-collar workers and wider community initiatives.
Business initiatives
As a leader in shipping and logistics, Iyer’s company is involved in major projects aimed at creating employment opportunities and enhancing infrastructure. “We are establishing one of the largest logistics distribution centres in the UAE, expected to be operational by 2026. This facility will generate significant employment opportunities and strengthen the supply chain network in the region,” he said.
He also highlighted the company’s entry into the private luxury jet sector in India. “The aspirations of young professionals and entrepreneurs are growing, and there is increasing demand for comfortable and efficient travel. We are introducing three luxury jets in India, with plans to scale up cautiously.”
Supporting Indian workers
Beyond business, Ramesh is committed to social initiatives that support Indian workers in the UAE. “We have taken steps to help blue-collar workers secure respectable jobs without paying exorbitant fees to agents. This initiative is challenging, but it is a cause we are deeply committed to,” he said.
“We are actively involved in skilling and upskilling initiatives to help workers enhance their capabilities and secure better opportunities,” added Iyer, who is also a supporter of similar projects by the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
His journey
Born on January 1, 1961, Iyer completed his graduation from the University of Bombay and later refined his leadership skills through the Owner/President Management Programme at Harvard Business School.
He began his journey in the shipping industry under the guidance of his father R. Sivaswamy. Starting at the entry-level, he gained hands-on experience in every aspect of the business.
“This foundation proved crucial when I took over the company after my father’s untimely passing in 1989. I tried to continue implementing leadership driven by principles of integrity, transparency, customer focus, and environmental responsibility,” he recalled.
With over four decades of experience, he has transformed the Transworld Group from a Mumbai-based shipping agency into a global logistics and shipping leader headquartered in Dubai.
Iyer’s journey has seen him grow from managing cargo at Bombay Port to becoming a respected leader in the UAE’s shipping and logistics ecosystem. As a founding, and only non-Emirati, member of the UAE Ship-Owners Association, he has consistently championed progress in the industry.
Humanitarian efforts
Under his leadership, the Group has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts as well, providing aid during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerala floods, and the Gujarat earthquake.
Ramesh is also a prominent promoter of Indian art, culture, and community well-being in the UAE, fostering ties through social, cultural, and business associations. He has facilitated initiatives like the RuPay payment gateway and underwritten the entire logistics and shipping cost for building the BAPS Hindu Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
Forbes Middle East has consistently recognised him as a ‘Top Indian Leader in the Arab World’ since 2014. Most recently, he received the prestigious Maritime Standard Hall of Fame Award 2024, honouring his lasting impact on the shipping and logistics industry in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Source: Gulf News
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