Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) is celebrated every year on January 9 to honour the contributions of the global Indian diaspora. The day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India on 9 January 1915, marking a major historical milestone.
Since 2015, PBD conventions have been held biennially, with the 18th edition hosted in Bhubaneswar in January 2025, and the next scheduled for 2027.
In 2026, PBD was observed as a non-convention year, with Indian embassies and missions worldwide organizing local events instead of a central gathering in India. The celebrations highlighted diaspora contributions to culture, economy, global partnerships, and nation-building.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings and described overseas Indians as “Rashtradoots” (ambassadors of the nation). Discussions emphasized the diaspora’s role in international networking, cultural diplomacy, innovation, and economic collaboration.
