Indians abroad

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian diaspora as India’s “ambassadors to the world” at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD).

• The diaspora, comprising over 35 million foreign nationals, has adapted and thrived in various fields, including politics.

• The event, first held in 2003, celebrates the success of the diaspora and discusses important issues.

• The diaspora faces challenges due to the rise of far-right populist governments, making visa and entry conditions more difficult.

• Global conflicts, particularly in West Asia, pose a threat to lakhs of Indians.

• The diaspora’s ties with India need to be inclusive and non-partisan on political issues.

• The government’s actions to deny or revoke OCI cards for those perceived as critical of the government highlight the need for inclusivity.

• The lack of economic opportunities within India is a major driver of migration, resulting in the loss of some of India’s most talented people.