External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commends the Indian diaspora as a crucial link between India and the global community during the launch of the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.
NEW DELHI – On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the Indian diaspora for its pivotal role in enhancing India’s international connections during the launch of the official website for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention. The event, set to take place in Kolkata from January 7 to January 9, 2027, is organized in collaboration with the West Bengal government and aims to celebrate and deepen ties between overseas Indians and their homeland.
At the Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, Jaishankar described overseas Indians as a “living bridge” connecting India with the world, emphasizing their contributions across various sectors, including innovation, business, culture, and knowledge exchange. He stated, “The Indian diaspora thereby serves as a living bridge between India and the world. It contributes to the global exchange of ideas, knowledge, innovation, culture, and enterprise.”
Significance of the Indian Diaspora
Jaishankar’s remarks reflect a growing recognition of the diaspora’s influence on India’s socio-economic landscape. With over 32 million Indians living abroad, their contributions are not only significant in terms of remittances—estimated at $83 billion in 2021—but also in various sectors that drive India’s growth. The diaspora has played a crucial role in shaping India’s image internationally, advocating for its interests, and fostering bilateral relations with their host countries.
The upcoming PBD Convention will be themed “From Roots to Return: Reigniting Diaspora Connect with Bharat,” which aims to strengthen the relationship between Indian communities abroad and their ancestral homeland. This theme is particularly aimed at engaging younger generations of Indian-origin individuals, encouraging them to explore their cultural heritage while fostering a more profound understanding of contemporary India.
Fostering Cultural Connections
Jaishankar elaborated on the initiative’s intent, saying, “It is with this spirit that we have chosen the theme, ‘From Roots to Return: Reigniting Diaspora Connect with Bharat.’ This theme reflects our endeavour to deepen the connection of overseas Indians with their civilisational, cultural, and ancestral roots.” The minister expressed hope that this initiative would create meaningful opportunities for young diaspora members to rediscover their heritage and enhance their ties with India.
In addition to cultural engagement, Jaishankar highlighted the economic and technological contributions that the diaspora can offer as India aims to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The minister pointed out that the professional expertise, entrepreneurial skills, and international networks possessed by overseas Indians could significantly contribute to India’s development trajectory.
Realizing Economic Potential
India’s expanding economy is presenting new collaborative opportunities for the diaspora. Jaishankar noted that as India continues to grow, overseas Indians could forge partnerships with businesses, institutions, and communities back home. This mutual collaboration is seen as essential for fostering a more interconnected global Indian community.
He described the upcoming convention as a significant opportunity to celebrate shared cultural traditions while simultaneously strengthening cooperation between India and its global diaspora. The historical context of Kolkata, recognized as a launch point for many Indians who migrated to various parts of the world, adds layers of significance to the convention. “From here, many set sail for Mauritius, for Fiji, for the Caribbean, and they carried with them their languages, customs, and faith. Their journeys, often marked by sacrifice and hardship, actually laid the foundations of a global Indian presence,” Jaishankar stated.
A Platform for Dialogue
The 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is expected to gather members of the Indian diaspora to discuss various opportunities for engagement with India across multiple sectors, including business, technology, culture, and development. This gathering serves not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a celebration of the rich heritage and contributions of the Indian diaspora worldwide.
In a broader context, the significance of the diaspora in shaping India’s global narrative cannot be understated. As India positions itself on the world stage, the relationship between the country and its overseas citizens becomes increasingly important. The PBD Convention serves as a reminder of the enduring ties that bind the Indian diaspora to their homeland and highlights the potential for collaborative growth that benefits both India and its global citizens.
The Indian government continues to enhance its engagement with the diaspora, recognizing their potential to influence India’s global standing positively. As events like the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention unfold, they provide valuable opportunities to explore and strengthen these connections, ensuring that the Indian diaspora remains a vital participant in the nation’s journey toward progress.
