Jaishankar Calls Indian Diaspora a ‘Living Bridge’ Between India and the World
NEW DELHI–External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday praised the Indian diaspora for strengthening India’s global connections through innovation, business, culture and the exchange of knowledge, describing overseas Indians as a vital link between the country and the rest of the world.
Speaking at the launch of the official website for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, Jaishankar emphasized the growing importance of the diaspora in shaping India’s economic and social future.
The website was jointly launched by Jaishankar and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The convention is scheduled to take place in Kolkata from January 7-9, 2027, in partnership with the West Bengal government.
“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. Now, the diaspora is not merely connected to India through its past; it is also an integral part of India’s present and an important stakeholder of India’s future,” Jaishankar said.
The theme for the 2027 convention, “From Roots to Return: Reigniting Diaspora Connect with Bharat,” highlights efforts to strengthen ties between overseas Indian communities and their ancestral homeland.
Jaishankar said the initiative would particularly focus on younger generations of Indian-origin communities, encouraging them to explore their cultural heritage while developing a deeper understanding of modern India.
“It is with this spirit that we have chosen the theme, ‘From Roots to Return: Reigniting Diaspora Connect with Bharat’, for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. This theme reflects our endeavour to deepen the connection of overseas Indians with their civilisational, cultural, and ancestral roots. It seeks to create meaningful opportunities for the younger generation of the diaspora to rediscover their heritage, understand contemporary India, and build a stronger and more enduring connection with the land of their ancestors,” he said.
Jaishankar also highlighted the economic and technological contributions that overseas Indians could make as the country pursues Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
He said the diaspora’s professional expertise, entrepreneurial experience, technological capabilities and international networks would play an increasingly significant role in India’s development.
At the same time, India’s expanding economy and emerging opportunities could create new avenues for overseas Indians to collaborate with businesses, institutions and communities in their country of origin.
The External Affairs Minister described the upcoming convention as an opportunity to celebrate shared cultural traditions while strengthening cooperation between India and its global diaspora.
He also emphasized Kolkata’s historical significance as a departure point for generations of Indians who migrated to other parts of the world.
“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 which were marked by sacrifice and hardship actually laid the foundations of a global Indian presence.”
The 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is expected to bring together members of the Indian diaspora to discuss opportunities for greater engagement with India across business, technology, culture and development. (Source: IANS)
