Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train dedicated to the Indian diaspora, during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar. The event, organised in collaboration with the Odisha government, celebrates the contributions of Indians abroad and fosters stronger connections with the diaspora.
In his address, PM Modi highlighted India’s remarkable progress and its growing role as a global hub for skilled talent. “India’s young and skilled population will play a crucial role in meeting the world’s demand for talent in the coming decades,” he said. The Prime Minister also praised the diaspora for elevating India’s global image and reiterated his government’s unwavering focus on their welfare. “Ensuring your safety and well-being, no matter where you are, remains a guiding principle of India’s foreign policy,” he affirmed.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, speaking at the convention, showcased the state’s rich cultural legacy. He highlighted Odisha’s contributions to classical arts, including Odissi dance and Pattachitra paintings, and praised its globally acclaimed handloom fabrics and breathtaking natural landscapes.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, taking place from January 8 to 10, has drawn participants from over 50 countries. With the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” this year’s event underscores the pivotal role of Indians abroad in shaping a developed India.
During his visit, PM Modi received a grand welcome at Bhubaneswar airport from Chief Minister Majhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati. The inauguration of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express adds a new dimension to fostering cultural and economic ties between India and its diaspora.