8th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Engaging the Diaspora: The Way Forward
Plenary Session II: Interaction with PIO Ministers and Dignitaries: Diaspora – Interest and Concerns

Keynote Address by Mr SM Krishna, Minister for External Affairs, Government of India
Engaging with the Diaspora

• India has come a long way from the times when the best brains left the country in search of opportunities - that was the era of Brain Drain. Today the same Diaspora forms a formidable Brain Bank of India.
• Indian government aptly recognizes the significance attached to the Diaspora. The establishment of the Ministry of Overseas Indians is a symbol of the importance attached.
• Other initiatives include PM Global Advisory Council, India Development Foundation, Global India Network of Knowledge and Overseas Indian Felicitation Centre.

India’s Performance

• India stands on the cusp of transformation. It has not just weathered the worst recession but come out with flying colours.
• The Indian economy grew at a robust pace of 6.7% in 2008-09, even when most of the developed nations went into recession. The economy is projected to grow at 7.75% in the current year.
• The strength of the Indian economy is testimony to the skillful package architected by the government and to the dynamism and entrepreneurship of Indian businessmen.
• One of the remarkable features of India’s growth story has been an equitable and inclusive growth in a complex democratic framework.

India’s Foreign Policy

• The overarching objective of India’s foreign policy is to maintain peace globally and in the immediate neighborhood.
• The idea is to maintain successful relations with countries across the world considering India’s economic as well as domestic interests.
• On Climate change, India as a responsible nation is committed to contribute in reducing Green House Gases, but it can not accept any legally binding cuts, given that India has one of the lowest per capita emissions.

Guest of Honour 1: Mr Anand Sharma, Minister for Commerce and Industry, Government of India
India’s engagement with the world

• As India is writing its own essay in the 21st century, its engagement with the world has increased many folds.
• Not just foreign investments in India have increased but investments by Indian corporate have also shown tremendous momentum. India’s investments in UK for example have been more than their investments in India.
• According to an UNCTAD study, India remains one of the top three investment destinations even in recessionary conditions and Indian government is determined to maintain that position.
• Today India is changing and is becoming the land of opportunities. The pace at which India is growing confirms that it will remain so for decades to come.

The Global Meltdown and recovery process

• The world has witnessed the worst crisis since the Great Depression and though the impact has not been uniform, it has been universal.
• The grave recessionary conditions could have converted into a full blown depression, however a well coordinated action by all the countries has prevented that.
• Global Economy is now showing signs of tentative recovery, though it is not uniform across various countries.
• As pointed out by recent economic indicators, India’s industrial and economic growth is showing sharp recovery. High saving rates and huge domestic demand are key factors that help India sustain on a high growth trajectory as compared to other nations.
• The Global Financial Crisis has taught the world two important lessons. One is the importance of a coordinated response to global problems and second is the need for a more democratic global and political architecture.

Guest of Honour-2: Dato Seri S Samy Vellu, President, Malaysian National Congress

• Key six areas of possible engagement for Indian Diaspora include an Indian incorporated consortium as an investment arm for the Diaspora, expansion of Global tertiary education and creating inclusive growth through more engagements with the Diaspora, Venture capital fund, Creation of Inclusive Growth through Diaspora, narrowing of the technological divide that India faces between its rural and urban economy through increasing engagements with the Diaspora and more green initiatives to build a more sustainable environment. 
• A coordinated and collaborated effort could help both India as well as the Diaspora prosper together.

Address by PIO Ministers/Dignitaries
Mr Harinder Takhar, Minister for Government Services, Canada

• Key concerns of persons of Indian origin living in Canada include issues related to investments, PIO/OCI cards and National Security.
• Proposal to establish a semi judicial tribunal to fast track the cases that are pending related to investment disputes.
• The Indian Diaspora should be able to enjoy benefits similar to those offered to citizens through the PIO/OCI cards  

Senator Dr Lenny K Saith, Minister in the Office of Prime Minister, Trinidad & Tobago

• PIOs contribute in a significant manner to the multicultural dimension of many parts of the world.
• The government of Trinidad & Tobago would like to join hands with India for mutual development.

Dr S Subramaniam, Minister for Human Resources, Malaysia
Key areas of intervention for the Indian Diaspora

• Human capital development
• Increased availability of educational, skills development and technology enhancement initiatives
• Promotion of positive and friendly environment for business and economic co-operation
• Investment policies should be more facilitative. Proactive support for investment from the Diaspora should be rendered.

Mr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development and Sports, Singapore

• India is a stable and secure economy, which is growing at a very fast pace.
• Singapore has good economic relations with India. Nearly 40% of the trade between India and the ASEAN group is with Singapore.
• Fair distribution of opportunities has a critical role to play in future to build further on the success of the relationship.
• As long as both the countries treat each other fairly, success will be available to both.

Mr Mahendra P Chaudhary, Secretary General, Fiji Labour Party, Fiji

• India should work towards promoting the real essence of its economy in the south Pacific part of the world.
• Better connectivity in terms of means of communication, for example air travel, should be made more facilitative.
• India should continue its diplomatic dialogue in promoting democratic framework in the world economy.

Mr Vasant K Bunwaree, Minister for Education, Culture & HR, Mauritius

• Indian culture and education system is the backbone of the Indian economy.
• Indian government should encourage the Indian Diaspora by providing freedom to invest in the country.
• Homecoming should be encouraged for the Diaspora

Mr Ravigasen Ranganathan Pillay, Member of Kwazulu Natal Legislature & ANC Chief Whip Kwazulu –Natal Provincial Legislature, South Africa

• South Africa has high density of Indians, nearly 1.3 million people are there of Indian origin.
• India’s achievements since the past few years are highly appreciable.
• In a world which is so interconnected, it is important for everyone to go along in a united fashion, to grow together.