Brief Context
Context The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated once in two years on 9th January. 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 countrys freedom struggle.
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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