Indore (MP): India is transforming at an unprecedented pace External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar averred on Sunday while underscoring that this is “an era where we are increasingly confident regarding our prospects.”

Addressing the inaugural session of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Madhya Pradesh’s commercial capital, the minister said, “India has the largest diaspora in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the relationship is of blood ties and not merely one of passports."

He urged the audience to focus on Amrit Kaal.

The intensity of bonding is a two-way street and that vital aspect was abundantly evidenced during the pandemic and vis-à-vis the vaccine, he stressed.

"We recognise the tremendous response from the NRI community. Trials and tribulations indeed made the bond stronger. Many are watching this event and that reveals the larger emotion. This city boasts the largest heart, the warmest feeling and the greatest hospitality,” Jaishankar stated.

During his 12-minute-long speech, Dr Jaishankar pointed out that numerous changes have been witnessed over the past eight years.

“In this era of a knowledge economy, a digital delivery mechanism translated into social benefits. Health infrastructure improved and enormous infrastructural activity is being propelled by the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti. The sheer energy of our youthful generation is at the forefront of connecting India with the rest of the world through the academic and employment spheres," he said.

"We strive to create a better workplace. Migration and mobility partnerships have been formed with Germany, Denmark, Portugal, France and the UK. There is more efficient rendering of consular services. India has a higher standing and more robust relationship with every nation. The identity of any diaspora is derived from how closely it is connected with its roots," he added.

"Most of our embassies offer Yoga, dance and music classes; it is a matter of pride that centres of faith have grown abroad. They serve to inculcate values. There is always room for improvement. A scholarship programme is benefitting diaspora children,” the minister said, emphasising the efforts made by Indian missions to enhance people-to-people relationships in foreign lands.

(With UNI inputs)