“The Council would comprise of People of Indian Origin from a variety of disciplines who are recognised as leaders in their respective fields, not only in their country of residence but globally as well,” Singh said.

Inaugurating the sixth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in the Capital, the Prime Minister also proposed to promote an “India Development Foundation” to direct overseas Indians’ philanthropic efforts into human development activities in the country.

Addressing the gathering, which included Leader of the Opposition L K Advani and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said that the advisory council would serve as a high-level platform for the Prime Minister to draw upon the experience and the knowledge of the best Indian minds wherever they may be based.

Singh also announced the formal launch of an ‘Overseas Workers Resource Centre’ (OWRC), which will provide all relevant information and assistance to potential migrant workers.

Reflecting on 2007, Singh said: “It has been a good year for the Indian economy, for our working people and for our entrepreneurs. The conditions are today favourable to achieve and sustain 9 to 10 per cent growth rates, which is our objective over the 11th Five Year Plan period. The growth process now underway will transform our economy to emerge as a major powerhouse of the evolving global world.”

He said that at the heart of the development effort is the “imperative to transform the quality of life of all our people and give them access to good health, education and economic opportunity”, adding “this is the essence of the thinking that defines our 11th Five Year Plan. “I would, therefore, like this gathering to inspire our people, inspire people of Indian origin, inspire our region and our neighbours, inspire the world to learn to live together in peace and harmony despite our many diversities,” Singh said. Over 1,500 delegates from about 50 countries are participating in the event, organised on January 8-9 every year to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India.

Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said the Government has already entered into bilateral agreements with GCC countries like UAE, Kuwait and Qatar to ensure protection and welfare of Indians working there.

Similar agreements are also likely with Malaysia, Oman and Bahrain in the near future, he added. Ravi asked overseas Indians to contribute in their own way to India’s growth story. “We will build a strong partnership with overseas Indian community on rural development,” the minister added.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit sought the help of overseas Indians in improving the Capital’s transport system to “decongest Delhi.”