Syllabus: GS2/IR
Context
- The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated once in two years on 9th January.
- The 18th edition took place in 2025 and the 19th is expected in 2027.
About
- It is a significant event that honors the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland.
- January 9th commemorates the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa to lead the country’s freedom struggle.
- The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention was first established in 2003, it is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs.
- Since 2015, it has evolved into a biennale event, with theme-based conferences held in the intervening years.
Indian Diaspora
- The diaspora encompasses a group of people who can either trace their origins to India or who are Indian citizens living abroad, either temporarily or permanently.
- As per the Indian Ministry of External Affairs [2024], the global Indian diaspora numbers approximately 35.42 million, consisting of 15.85 million non-resident Indians (NRIs) and 19.57 million people of Indian origin (PIOs).
- Top 5 countries where the Indian diaspora resides: United States of America (USA): 5.4Mn, United Arab Emirates (UAE): 3.6Mn, Malaysia: 2.9Mn, Canada: 2.8Mn and Saudi Arabia: 2.4Mn.
- India is the origin of the largest number of international migrants in the world, touching nearly 18 million, according to the UN World Migration Report 2024.
Importance of the Diaspora
- Remittances: In 2024, India received an estimated $129.1 billion worth of remittances, the highest ever for a country in any year.
- India’s share in global remittances was 14.3% in 2025, the highest such share since the turn of the millennium for any country.
- These contribute significantly to foreign exchange reserves and rural household incomes.
- Investment & Trade: NRIs and PIOs invest in Indian real estate, startups, and infrastructure, and act as trade facilitators between India and their countries of residence.
- Tech & Innovation: Indian-origin professionals in Silicon Valley, academia, and global corporations contribute to knowledge transfer, mentorship, and innovation linkages.
- Cultural Ambassadors: The diaspora promotes Indian languages, yoga, cuisine, Cinema, and festivals globally.
- Policy Advocacy: Diaspora communities often influence foreign policy decisions in host countries in favor of India.
- Citizen Diplomacy: Diaspora involvement helps India manage relations during bilateral tensions or negative media coverage.
- Global Recognition: Their achievements enhance India’s image as a land of talent and opportunity.
Challenges Faced by the Indian Diaspora
- No Dual Citizenship: India does not allow dual citizenship, limiting political rights and emotional bonding with the homeland.
- Racism & Xenophobia: Rising racial attacks in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and South Africa.
- Legal and Immigration Issues: Countries have restrictive visa regimes, deportations, and uncertainties around work permits.
- Low-Wage Migrant Workers: Many Indian workers in Gulf countries face exploitative contracts, wage delays, unsafe housing, and long working hours.
- Struggle to Preserve Identity: Indian-origin youth in Western countries often face a crisis of identity and cultural alienation.
- Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: Rise in anti-immigrant sentiments during economic downturns and political polarisation.
Government Initiatives to Engage Diaspora
- Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card: It offers lifelong visa-free entry, property rights (except agriculture), and economic privileges to eligible PIOs up to 4th generation (excluding Pakistan/Bangladesh origin).
- Know India Programme (KIP): Short-term orientation programme for diaspora youth (21-35 years) to connect with Indian culture, institutions, and states.
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): Promotes Indian culture abroad through cultural exchanges, academic chairs, and artist delegations.
- e-Migrate System: Online platform to protect Indian workers abroad by streamlining recruitment, employment contracts, and grievance redressal.
- Bharatiya Pravasi Samman Award: Highest honor given by the Indian government to eminent diaspora members for their outstanding contributions.
- Madad Portal: Online grievance redressal platform by MEA for Indians abroad seeking help with passports, consular services, and legal issues.
- VAJRA Scheme: Invites Indian-origin scientists abroad to collaborate with Indian institutions in advanced research projects.
- Global Pravasi Rishta Portal & App: A digital platform to connect diaspora with Indian missions for registration, communication, and outreach activities.
Source: PIB
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