PM Modi Calls Indian Diaspora ‘Rashtradoots’ on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted overseas Indians on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, calling the diaspora “Rashtradoots” and a strong bridge between India and the world. He praised their global contributions, cultural promotion, and continued connection to India. The day marks Mahatma Gandhi’s 1915 return and recognises the role of over 30 million Indians abroad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed his greetings to Indians living across the globe on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, praising the overseas Indian community as a vital link between India and the rest of the world and acknowledging their role in spreading Indian culture internationally.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister said the Indian diaspora has made meaningful contributions to societies worldwide while continuing to maintain a strong emotional and cultural bond with their homeland.

“The Indian diaspora serves as a powerful bridge between India and the world. Wherever they have gone, they have enriched local societies and at the same time remained deeply connected to their roots,” he said.

Reaffirming the government’s long-standing view of overseas Indians as representatives of the nation, PM Modi described them as “Rashtradoots,” noting that they have played an important role in taking India’s culture and values to a global audience.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that his government has undertaken several measures to further strengthen engagement with Indians abroad, though he did not specify particular initiatives in his message.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is observed every year on January 9, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915. The day symbolises the historic and ongoing contributions of overseas Indians to the country’s freedom struggle and development. Today, the Indian diaspora numbers more than 30 million people spread across various continents.

Successive governments have used the occasion to deepen ties with the global Indian community through conventions, policy initiatives, and outreach programmes. These efforts have included simplified travel norms, consular reforms, and platforms aimed at enhancing economic and cultural cooperation. Under the Modi government, large-scale diaspora events and initiatives such as improved Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) facilitation have been emphasised to strengthen these connections.

The Prime Minister’s message comes as preparations are underway for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, which brings together members of the diaspora, policymakers, and other stakeholders to deliberate on India’s global engagement and the role of overseas Indians in the country’s growth journey.