In a diplomatic effort to engage more with the Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) living in various countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will next week host a conference of 141 lawmakers. The gathering, that will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will give an opportunity to the Parliamentarians and Mayors to connect with their past in India and contribute to the growth of new India. Besides, it will also help India have more friends in foreign countries rooting for its interest.
The first ever PIO Parliamentarian Conference will be held on January 9, celebrated as Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas. A total of 124 Members of Parliament and 17 Mayors of Indian origin from 23 countries will attend the conference. The list includes Bharrat Jagdeo, former President of Guyana, and Kamla Persad Bissessar, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago — both MPs now. Major countries including United States of America, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada will participate in the event. The biggest delegations are from Guyana (23 persons), Trinidad and Tobago (20), UK (16) and Mauritius (13).
According to an estimate, there are about 270 PIOs sitting in Parliaments of various countries out of which several are holding crucial positions. For instance, the present PMs of Portugal, Ireland and Mauritius are PIOs. Government believes that increasing engagement with them will help India having more advocates for its cause on various issues. The Indian diaspora and the PIOs in the US have played an important role in pushing for India-centric policies with the successive US Governments. Similarly, in the UK and European Union the PIOs are very active and strong advocate of India’s cause.
“Diasporic link has played an important role in the growth of India. They become our ambassadors even without being officially appointed as envoys and work while keeping in mind the interest of their native land,” said Dnayeshwar M. Mulay, Secretary Overseas Indian Affairs and Passports. He said the conference will help the PIOs to connect with India, a country that they had left generations back, and see the growth and development here.