NRIs are our partners in vision for India's development: PM Modi at PIO Conference

NEW DELHI: Giving an insight into how India has transformed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Indian-origin citizens, gathered at the first Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference on Tuesday, that the country has seen a positive change in the last three to four years.

"You have been staying in different places of the world. You would have witnessed that in the last 3-4 years, the perception of the world towards India has changed. India has been brought into focus globally. India is seeing a transformation," he said.

Reaching out to the Indian origin citizens, he applauded them for their contribution to the other countries. "I am seeing a Mini World Parliament of people of Indian origin in front of me. Today people of Indian origin are PMs in Mauritius, Portugal, and Ireland. Many others are also serving as Head of State and Head of Government in various other countries," he added.

He appealed to them on how NRIs and PIOs can contribute to India's development. "You have the capability to take the specialties strengths of India to the world and also focus of the needs of the country. The Indian values can play a huge part in bringing stability to this world of uncertainties," he claimed.

The Prime Minister also said that the positive changes that are taking place in India will be seen in all sectors. "India has transformed for good. The mentality that 'nothing will change' has changed. The aims and ambitions of the people of the country are at their peak today. The organisations are also seeing a massive improvement. These changes are irreversible and the positive effect of these will be witnessed in all sectors," he said.

The PM was speaking at the inaugurate of the first PIO Parliamentary Conference in the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra' at Chanakyapuri in Delhi. As many as 124 Members of Parliament and 17 mayors from 23 countries are participating in this conference.

Every year, January 9 is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD), an annual celebratory day that marks the contribution of overseas persons of Indian origin (PIO) towards their homeland.

This conference is being seen as a way by the government to reach out to the Indian community overseas.