New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday invited Indian diaspora to be part of the country’s efforts to emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis.
In an address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Jaishankar said India will also be a “trusted partner and a reliable supplier”, in line with global norms, and that the objective of the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative is to build greater capacities and enhance its contribution to the world.
Describing overseas Indians as “intrinsic partners” in India’s growth and modernisation, the minister said they can bring resources, technology, best practices and innovations to support the country’s endeavour to enhance its capacities.
“Covid has taught us many lessons, prominent among them the need to be more self-reliant. Its uncertainty has created a global demand for shorter, more trusted and resilient supply chains. We, in India, have responded through the policy of Atmanirbhar Bharat, building stronger capacities at home to make a larger contribution abroad,” Dr Jaishankar said.
“It is natural that we seek to involve our diaspora in that process, as they have a well-earned reputation as high achievers. Their emotional attachment to India surely encourages their desire to contribute to the nation’s rejuvenation,” he added.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated to recognise the contributions of the overseas Indian community towards the growth and development of the country.
January 9 was chosen as the PBD as it was on this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, the “greatest pravasi”, returned to India from South Africa and led the country’s freedom struggle.
