Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has described the Indian diaspora as a vital link between India and the international community, emphasizing its growing contribution to the country’s economic development, cultural influence and global partnerships. Speaking at the launch of the official website for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Kolkata on November 11, Jaishankar said overseas Indians are not only connected to the country’s history but also play an essential role in shaping its present and future.
The 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention will take place from January 7 to 9, 2027, in Kolkata, with the West Bengal government serving as co-host. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the main convention, while President Droupadi Murmu will attend the concluding ceremony and present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards. The event’s website was jointly launched by Jaishankar and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Highlighting the historical significance of Kolkata, Jaishankar recalled the city’s role in the migration of Indians to destinations including Mauritius, Fiji and the Caribbean. He noted that generations of migrants carried their languages, traditions and cultural identities abroad while contributing to the development of their adopted countries. Describing their experiences as a story of resilience, enterprise and achievement, he said the diaspora continues to facilitate international exchanges in knowledge, innovation, culture and business.
The upcoming convention will be held under the theme Return to Roots: Reigniting the Diaspora Connect with Bharat, reflecting the government’s efforts to strengthen cultural and ancestral connections among overseas Indian communities. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of engaging younger generations, encouraging them to rediscover their heritage, understand contemporary India and develop stronger relationships with their ancestral homeland.
The minister also linked the diaspora’s growing significance to India’s long-term development ambitions under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He said overseas Indians could contribute through their professional expertise, technological capabilities, entrepreneurial experience and international networks, supporting India’s economic expansion and global engagement. He added that the country’s economic progress and cultural influence have generated increasing international interest.
As part of the convention’s outreach initiatives, the government has introduced a gamified digital application called Bharatverse, designed to help overseas Indians connect with their heritage through contemporary technology. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed in recognition of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915, and serves as a platform for strengthening engagement between India and its global diaspora.
