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Source — Source: PIB ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-01-12 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 2 ///Source — Source: PIB ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-01-12 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 2 ///

Source: PIB · GS Paper 2

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is the flagship outreach programme of the Ministry of External Affairs, celebrated biennially to engage the Indian diaspora and showcase India's development. Since its inception in 2003, the event highlights the diaspora's contribution to nation‑building, foreign policy and economic growth, making it a vital topic for UPSC aspirants.

2026-01-12

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Source: PIB

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Key Facts and Data Points

Inception: 2003 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Frequency: Biennial, theme‑based convention since 2015.
18th Convention (2025): Held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Key Launches (2025):
Pravasi Bharatiya Express under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
Exhibition on Mandvi–Muscat migration.
Proposal for a comprehensive Girgirmitiya database.
Highest Honour: Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) for NRIs, OCIs and diaspora organisations.
Historical Symbolism: Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India in 1915 from South Africa, underscoring the diaspora’s role in the freedom struggle.

Background and Context

Objective: Institutionalise structured engagement with the Indian diaspora, recognise their contributions, enhance India’s global image, support national causes, and provide a dialogue platform between the diaspora and the Government.
Ministry Involved: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Diaspora Size: Over 30 crore people of Indian origin live abroad, contributing significantly to remittances, investments and soft power.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

Economic Impact: Remittances from the diaspora constitute one of the largest foreign exchange inflows, aiding balance of payments.
Soft Power: Diaspora acts as cultural ambassadors, influencing host‑country policies favourable to India.
Policy Formulation: Insights from diaspora help shape immigration, investment and skill‑migration policies (e.g., Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra).
Strategic Relations: Engagement strengthens bilateral ties, especially with Gulf countries, USA, UK, Canada and Australia.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 51 (f) of the Constitution: Promotes international peace and security, which includes fostering goodwill through diaspora.
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010: Governs foreign donations, relevant for diaspora‑funded projects.
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019: Impacts OCI and PIO categories, affecting diaspora engagement.

References

Press Information Bureau (PIB) releases on PBD.
Ministry of External Affairs – Pravasi Bharatiya Divas portal.

Prepared for UPSC aspirants – focus on factual recall and analytical relevance.