February 2019 \ News \ PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS
PM–passport, visa processes being eased

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said overseas Indians that his Government is making efforts to ease the processes concerning ...

Mr Modi added: “In the last four-and-a-half years, more than two lakh Indians stranded in crisis situations abroad have been helped by the government and its efforts.” Mr Modi’s Mauritius counterpart Pravind Jugnauth, the chief guest at the event, commended India’s efforts in reaching out to the diaspora. Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj welcomed the gathering.

The theme of the convention was “Role of Indian diaspora in building a new India”. Mr Modi called this year’s PBD the “most successful” event saying the people of Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, have taken ownership of the three-day jamboree.

“Renewable Energy”

India called upon its diaspora to play a role in boosting the renewable energy sector, with Minister of State for External Affairs General V.K. Singh calling for suggestions from the participants at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) on how to develop solar energy.

General Singh outlined the achievement of the Government in attaining nearly 25gw of the 100gw target set for solar energy till 2022 at a plenary session on the role of Indian diaspora in capacity building for affordable solar power. He invited the audience to contribute with positive suggestions for successful implementation of the Government’s policies.

India initiated the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the Paris climate summit in 2015. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande at the Paris climate summit in 2015, the ISA was conceived as a coalition of solar resource-rich countries to address their special energy needs and provide a platform to collaborate on dealing with the identified gaps through a common, agreed approach. It is open to all 121 prospective member countries falling between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.




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