By EuAsiaNews,
Brussels : Welcoming the address of the President of India to the Indian Parliament in which Ms. Pratibha Patil said that the government will deepen its ties with its Diaspora, the President of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) in Belgium, Sunil Prasad , said here Friday that the importance of Indian Diaspora must not be seen only in static economic terms but as social and cultural ambassadors of India.
He told EuAsiaNews that many countries regard their diasporas as strategically vital political assets, while others, such as India they have been recognized for their massive contributions through remittances.
Prasad called upon the government of India to actively court two important segments of the Diaspora; the young and second generation of overseas Indians and those approaching retirement.
“In absence of this, India risks loosing its link with the vast majority of its Diaspora community,” he cautioned.
Prasad said that Indian Diaspora are a minority in the country of their habitat and in order to protect their interest, it is important that Indian government has aggressive policy to defend their rights in addition to having a strong relationship with host countries.
He sighted the recent attacks on the Indian students in Australia. Prasad suggested opening of a Diaspora Centre in each country where the Indian Diaspora has a presence.
Prasad , who is also the Secretary General of the Brussels-based Europe India Chamber of Commerce , said that although India is not as affected as Europe and US by the economic crisis, the Indian economy is not insulated from the economic recession and in this the Indian Diaspora can help India fight the global economic downturn.