Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed the Indian diaspora as the brand ambassadors of India in his address at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention at Indore.

“I call all Indian diaspora as brand ambassadors of India. You all are ‘Rashtradoots’. Your role as India’s brand ambassador is diverse. You are a brand ambassador of Make in India, Yoga, handicraft industry, and at the same time of India’s millets,” PM Modi said.

“Today, we see crores of overseas Indians on the global map… the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is visible,” the Prime Minister said.

Elaborating on India’s G20 presidency, PM Modi said that apart from it being a diplomatic event, the government was keen to have people’s participation as well.

“Today India is being looked at with hope and curiosity. India’s voice is being heard on the global stage… India is also the host for this year’s G20 summit. We do not want to make it only a diplomatic event, but an event of people’s participation,” PM Modi said.

He also said that the world is interested in India’s speed and scale and the country’s future.

“When it comes to a cashless economy, the world is surprised to see that 40 per cent of the world’s real-time digital transactions take place in India,” PM Modi pointed out.

He lauded the youth of the country for their high skills and hard work.

“India not only has the capability of becoming a knowledge centre but also a skill capital. Our youth has skills, values, honesty and determination toward work. Our skilled capital can become the world’s growth engine,” the Prime Minister said.

Talking about the significance of the convention, PM Modi said, “This Pravasi Bharati Divas is special in so many ways, the nation has entered ‘Amrit Kaal’. Our Pravasi Bharatiyas have a significant place in India’s journey in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ and India’s global order will be decided by you people.”

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the three-day 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore city, which began yesterday.

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is the chief guest and the Republic of Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi is the special guest of honour.

The three-day conference is being held under the theme “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”. The conference will conclude tomorrow and President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session and present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samma.