Participation in the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, India

Participation in the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, India

From 8 to 10 January 2025, a delegation from the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Malaysia participated in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025, held at the Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. The global gathering brought together members of the Indian diaspora, policymakers, scholars, and community leaders from across the world to discuss the evolving role of overseas Indians in contributing to India’s development and international engagement.

The GOPIO Malaysia delegation, comprising 40 delegates, was led by its President, Gunasekaren Sreerangan. Their participation reflected the organisation’s commitment to strengthening ties between the Malaysian Indian community and India while contributing to broader discussions on diaspora engagement.

A Global Platform for the Indian Diaspora

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs of India in collaboration with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Secretariat, and serves as the Government of India’s principal forum for engaging with the global Indian diaspora.

The 2025 event was formally opened by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and concluded by the Honourable President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Their participation highlighted the importance placed by India on maintaining strong and constructive relationships with overseas Indian communities.

Throughout the programme, delegates participated in discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including diaspora engagement, international collaboration, innovation, and opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Strengthening Malaysia–India Diaspora Engagement

Participation in the event enabled GOPIO Malaysia delegates to engage with representatives from governments, academic institutions, and diaspora organisations from numerous countries. These exchanges provided valuable insights into new governmental initiatives affecting Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) communities, as well as opportunities to share experiences from Malaysia’s own vibrant diaspora network.

The gathering also facilitated international networking with PIO leaders and GOPIO chapters from around the world, strengthening professional and organisational connections that may lead to future collaborations.

Looking Ahead

The experience further enhanced Malaysia–India diaspora relations and provided a meaningful platform for the Malaysian delegation to contribute to global discussions concerning the Indian diaspora.

Following the successful participation in 2025, GOPIO Malaysia looks forward to participating in the next edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas scheduled for January 2027, continuing its engagement with global diaspora initiatives and strengthening its presence within the international GOPIO network.

The event also served as a valuable opportunity to elevate GOPIO Malaysia’s visibility among the global diaspora, highlighting the organisation’s ongoing contributions to community engagement, dialogue, and international collaboration.