On Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), the PM highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora as cultural ambassadors (Rashtradoots).
- PBD is a biennial flagship event celebrated on 9th January, the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa.
About Indian Diaspora
- It is a term for addressing people who have migrated from the territories that are currently within the borders of India.
- Includes: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
- PIO and OCI card holders were merged under one category of OCI in 2015.
- Status of Indian Diaspora: 34.35 million (including 17.17 million NRIs) (January 2025).
Significance of the Indian Diaspora
- Soft power: Diaspora carry cultural spirit (E.g. Yoga, festivals like Diwali) worldwide and strengthen people-to-people connections.
- Economic contribution: India is the world’s largest recipient of remittances (~USD 135 billion in FY25).
- Trade & investment bridge: E.g. Diaspora entrepreneurs facilitate India–US IT and services trade.
- Diplomatic leverage: Significant diaspora presence aids growing mutual relationship and positively shapes India’s global image. E.g. India-West Asia relations
- Political advocacy: Diaspora can lobby their local governments and international organizations on issues important to India.
Initiatives taken for Indian Diaspora
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