The world today listens to India, PM Modi tells Indian diaspora at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Odisha

Asserting that the world today listens to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Jan 9 said that due to the country's heritage, it is able to tell the international community that the future does not lie in war but in Buddha.

Addressing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, Modi said India is not only the mother of democracy, but democracy is a part of people's lives here.

He said the world today listens to India, which not only presents its own views strongly but also those of the Global South.

"Due to the strength of its heritage, India is able to tell the world that the future does not lie in war, but in Buddha (peace)," he said.

Modi said he has always considered the diaspora as India's ambassador to the countries they live in.

"We consider it our responsibility to help our diaspora during crisis situations no matter where they are," he said.

The PM said the diaspora played a major role in Independence in 1947, and sought their help to make India a developed country by 2047.

He said India is not only a young country but also a country of skilled youths.

"The government is trying to ensure that whenever Indian youths go abroad, they go with skills," Modi said, noting the demand for skilled workers across the world.

He said G20 meetings were organized in various parts of the country to give the world a first-hand experience of India's diversity.

"We don't need to learn diversity because our lives run through diversity," he added.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who was also present at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, stressed on the importance of the diaspora as India strives to build a “global workforce.”

Jaishankar said that in times of difficulty abroad, they can be confident that the Narendra Modi government “has got your back.”

"We are proud of the achievements of our Indian diaspora," he said.

"In a globalized era, the diaspora has become more important with each passing year, whether it is technology, best practices or resources, be it tourism, trade or investment, the two-way flow is invaluable as we strive to build a global workforce," Jaishankar said.

The minister said the role of the diaspora is immense as they act as the bridge between India and the countries where they live.

He said the people-centric changes that the Modi government is promoting are also benefitting the diaspora.

"This could enhance the ease of doing business, promote ease of living and facilitate connectivity and travel. The application of digital technologies to ensure diaspora welfare is also apparent," he said.

"In the last decade, we have seen the simplification of the passport issues and renewal as well as ease of attestation. Consular services have been improved, welfare measures have been increased and grievance platforms are effective. Embassies and consulates across the world are more responsive. In times of difficulty, you can be confident that the Modi government has got your back," he added.

(PTI)