18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention

The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bhubaneswar on January 9. It is a significant government initiative to connect and engage with the Indian diaspora.

Key Highlights

• The President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, will address the gathering virtually as the chief guest.
• President Droupadi Murmu will deliver the valedictory address on January 10 and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.
• The award recognizes contributions in fields such as social work, humanitarian efforts, and enhancing India’s global standing.
• This year, 27 individuals and organizations will be honored, from countries including the US, Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, and more.

Significance of January 9

• January 9 is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India in 1915.

Event Details

• The event is scheduled for January 8-10, with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 8.
• Participants will include overseas Indians, top businessmen, entrepreneurs, and economists from over 50 countries.
• Theme: "Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat".

Objectives

• Offers a platform for dialogue between the Indian government and its overseas citizens.
• Discussions on policies affecting the diaspora, such as visa regulations, investment opportunities, and community welfare.
• Showcases India as a hub for investment, innovation, and collaboration.

Exhibitions

• An exhibition titled ‘Vishwaroop Ram — The Universal Legacy of Ramayana’ will be inaugurated by the PM.
• Another exhibition on the diaspora’s contribution to technology and Viksit Bharat.
• A third exhibition will display rare documents of people who migrated from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman.

Growing Strength of Indian Diaspora

• The Indian diaspora now numbers over 35.4 million, with 19.5 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 15.8 million NRIs.
• The largest groups reside in the US and the UAE, with over 2 million PIOs in the US and more than 3.5 million NRIs in the UAE.
• These communities play a crucial role in India's economy and solidifying ties with these nations.

India's Geopolitical Landscape and Challenges in 2025

India stands at a significant crossroads in its history, characterized by strong economic growth and political stability amidst a shifting global economic and geopolitical landscape. While India currently projects an atmosphere of peace, it faces numerous external challenges that could disrupt this stability.

Global Political Challenges

• Global Conflicts: The year 2024 witnessed global political uncertainties with multiple concurrent conflicts, particularly in Europe and West Asia.
• Ongoing Conflicts: The Gaza conflict and the Ukraine situation pose potential threats to global peace.

India-China Relations

• Recent Developments: Recent border negotiations and disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh have taken place.
• Continued Challenges: Despite these negotiations, the border conflict remains unresolved, requiring ongoing vigilance by India.
• Chinese Influence: China is strengthening its security cooperation with the Global South, potentially outflanking India.
• Strategic Moves: China's diplomatic activities, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, have aimed to diminish India's influence.

Regional Dynamics in South Asia

• Bangladesh Political Changes: The ouster of the Sheikh Hasina regime has raised questions about India's neighborhood policy.
• Regional Isolation: India appears isolated in the region, with emerging regimes in neighboring countries displaying hostility or lukewarm relations.
• Pakistan and Afghanistan: Pakistan remains adversarial, and Afghanistan is not a major focus for India currently.
• Bhutan's Changing Stance: Bhutan is balancing its relations with China under its current king.

West Asian Developments

• Syria's Political Shift: The ouster of the Assad regime and the rise of the Sunni group 'Hayat Tahir al Shams (HTS)' mark significant changes.
• Implications for India: The change in Syria could affect India's relations and influence in the region, given its Shia and Sunni populations.
• Regional Power Shifts: The decline in Iran's influence and the rise of Israel and Türkiye as major players are noteworthy.

Digital Threats

• Rising Cyber Threats: There is an increasing threat from cyber attacks, with a notable rise in incidents during the latter part of 2024.
• Infrastructure Risks: Convergence of technologies poses unprecedented risks to national infrastructure.
• Exponential Increase: Cyber threats are expected to grow significantly during 2025 and beyond.