India to provide skilled talent to the world: PM

India will remain home for the world's youngest and skilled population for many decades and has the potential to fulfill the global demand for skilled talent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, lauding the diaspora for its role in advancing development.

- Debabrata Mohanty

BHUBANESWAR: India will remain home for the world's youngest and skilled population for many decades and has the potential to fulfill the global demand for skilled talent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, lauding the diaspora for its role in advancing development.

Speaking at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, Modi also highlighted India's rapid progress in the 21st century, advocated the country's role as a global advocate of peace, and said the world now listened to India due to its rich heritage and cultural ethos.

"21st century India is progressing at an incredible speed and scale. For many decades to come, India will remain a country with the world's most young and skilled population. India will fulfill the world's demand for skilled talent. India has the potential to fulfill the world's demand for skilled talent," Modi said. "Due to the strength of its heritage, India is able to tell the world that the future does not lie in war, but in Buddha," he added.

The Divas has been celebrated since 2003 to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community. January 9 was chosen to mark the day because it was on this day that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa to lead the Indian freedom struggle.

Around 3,500 delegates from 50 countries converged in Bhubaneswar since last two days for the convention, which will conclude on Friday. On Thursday, PM Modi formally inaugurated the convention after Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej, performed the event's theme song - Apna Desh, Apna Gaurav.