Invest in India, Sushma Swaraj urges diaspora

Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Sushma Swaraj Friday urged the Indian diaspora in Britain to invest in India as the country offers tremendous opportunities.

"There are tremendous opportunities today for you to join us, especially in the fields of manufacturing, science and technology, research and innovation, knowledge economy and youth development," Sushma Swaraj, who is also India's minister of external affairs, said while inaugurating a two-day Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a conclave of the Indian diaspora. 

She mentioned about the 'Clean Ganga' campaign, metro rail and smart cities projects as areas where overseas Indians could participate. 

The Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card is now valid for a lifetime and not just 15 years for visits to India, she said, reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance on the subject during his visit to New York last month. 

Furthermore, PIOs will not have to report to police even if their stay in India exceeds 180 days, as was the previous requirement, the minister said.