500 Mauritians to Attend Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2027 in Kolkata
Mauritius will send a delegation of around 500 people to the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Kolkata, India, from 7 to 9 January 2027.
Around 500 Mauritians are expected to travel to Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal in eastern India, for the 19th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, an international convention bringing together members of the global Indian diaspora. The event is scheduled from 7 to 9 January 2027.
The Cabinet of Ministers, meeting on Friday 6 November, took note of the upcoming convention and the planned Mauritian participation. The event is jointly organised by India's Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of the State of West Bengal.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which translates roughly as "Day of the Overseas Indian", is a flagship convention held every two years by the Indian government. It serves as a platform for networking, dialogue and cultural exchange between India and its diaspora communities spread across the world. Mauritius, with its large population of Indian origin, has historically been one of the most active participating nations at the event.
To coordinate the Mauritian delegation and ensure the smooth running of the trip, the Ministry of Arts and Culture will shortly begin consultations with all relevant stakeholders. These will include the High Commission of India in Mauritius, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Passport and Immigration Office, as well as representatives from GOPIO Mauritius and GOPIO International. GOPIO, which stands for the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin, is an international body that advocates for and connects Indian-origin communities worldwide.
What this means: For Mauritians of Indian heritage, the PBD convention is a rare opportunity to engage directly with the Indian government, build professional networks and celebrate shared cultural ties. A delegation of 500 people represents a significant logistical undertaking, and the early involvement of multiple government ministries signals that Mauritius intends to give the event high priority. Travellers in the delegation will need to ensure their passports and health documentation are in order well ahead of the January 2027 dates, as the Passport and Immigration Office is among the bodies involved in preparations.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and why does it matter to Mauritians?β
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a biennial convention organised by the Indian government to connect India with its global diaspora. It matters greatly to Mauritius because over 60 percent of the Mauritian population traces its roots to India. Mauritius regularly sends one of the largest national delegations to the event, and participation offers networking, cultural and diplomatic opportunities with Indian government officials and diaspora leaders from around the world.
When and where is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2027 taking place?β
The 19th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held from 7 to 9 January 2027 in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal state in eastern India. It is jointly organised by India's Ministry of External Affairs and the West Bengal state government.
Which Mauritian organisations are involved in coordinating the PBD 2027 delegation?β
The Ministry of Arts and Culture is leading coordination in Mauritius. It will consult with the High Commission of India in Mauritius, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Passport and Immigration Office, GOPIO Mauritius and GOPIO International, the global body representing people of Indian origin.
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