External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Wednesday underscored the crucial role of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in India’s ascent as a global power during his address at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar.
The event marked the first day of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, which is being held from January 8 to 10.
Jaishankar emphasized that India’s unique position in the global order is significantly shaped by its diaspora, which acts as a vital bridge between the country and the world.
“If you look at the history of the modern world, no country has grown by itself,” he said, stressing the importance of partnerships with global stakeholders, supplemented by resources and technology, in helping India realize its full potential.
He highlighted the diaspora’s essential role in infusing cutting-edge technology and best practices into India, aiding its path to globalization. NRIs and PIOs, Jaishankar said, are key to helping India leverage global partnerships.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy framework, Jaishankar spoke about the “Three Ts”—Trade, Technology, and Tourism. He encouraged the diaspora to focus on these areas.
“We also regularly welcome the visits of PIO journalists to India. Let me take the opportunity to urge you on behalf of Prime Minister Modi to promote India as a tourism destination. If young Indian PIOs bring their equally young friends from abroad to explore this uniquely rich and diverse heritage and culture, this will surely become a lifelong habit for them,” Jaishankar said
On trade, he highlighted Odisha’s vast resources and emphasized the need for investment, connectivity, and value addition to fully harness the potential of its resource sectors.
Odisha’s strategic location as an eastern seaport, he added, positions it as a key hub for India’s global connectivity, especially with the rise of green and orthodox shipping.
Regarding technology, Jaishankar stressed that in today’s digitalized world, trust is central. Technology is tied to trusted talent, with people and organizations keen to know where their data is being processed. This, he said, opens up significant opportunities for collaboration in technology sectors.
On tourism, he pointed out that it is the world’s largest employment generator and urged investment in Odisha’s tourism sector, which would drive inclusive growth in the state. Both technology and tourism, he added, are essential for Odisha’s development.
Jaishankar also reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to “Purvodaya,” an initiative aimed at revitalizing India’s eastern regions, including Odisha. He praised the government’s focus on developing the East, noting that it has been a priority since the start of Modi’s third term.
He pointed out that ease of doing business, political and policy stability, quality of infrastructure, and the talent of society are crucial aspects that influence investment decisions.
