Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) conference in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on January 9, 2025, underlining India’s willingness to meet the global demand for skilled labour. He addressed a gathering of Indian diaspora members from over 50 nations, emphasizing India’s rapid success in all sectors and its potential to remain the world’s youngest and most skilled workforce for decades.
PM Modi emphasized the global acknowledgement of Indian expertise, citing experts who contribute considerably to the growth of large global companies. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ongoing skilling, reskilling, and upskilling measures to prepare Indian youth for global possibilities.
Reflecting on India’s economic progress, he stated that the country had lifted 250 million people out of poverty in just ten years, rising to the world’s fifth-largest economy, with aspirations to become third shortly. India’s progress in renewable energy, aviation, electric mobility, and metro networks got special recognition.
Under the subject “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” PM Modi emphasized the significance of Indian expats in strengthening global ties. He also opened exhibitions celebrating Odisha’s heritage and launched the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the diaspora.
