In order to celebrate PravasiBharatiya Divas-2022, Consulate General of India, Vancouver, organized a Virtual PravasiBharatiya Divas Conference on the theme “Strengthening Indo-Canadian Relationship: Role of Diaspora leaders”on 10th January, 2022. Consulate invited Indo-Canadian Diaspora leaders from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Yukon. The panelists in this Virtual Conference were:Hon. Mr. Raj Chouhan Speaker of Legislative Assembly of BC; Hon. Mr. Ranj Pillai Minister of Economic Development, Tourism, Culture Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corp and Yukon Liquor Corp; Hon. Mr. Prasad Panda Minister of Infrastructure, Alberta; Hon. Mr. Randeep Sarai MP (Surrey-Centre), British Columbia; Hon. Ms. Jinny Sims MLA (Surrey-Panorama), British Columbia and Hon. Mr. Gary Grewal MLA (Regina), Saskatchewan.

2. In his welcome address, Consul General Manish highlighted the important role played by the Indo-Canadian diaspora in deepening bilateral engagement between India and Canada. He noted that Indian diaspora holds prominent positions in various fields including, political, economic and cultural spheres. The panelists put forward their views on strengthening various aspects of Indo-Canadian relationships. They emphasized on intensifying economic partnership and take further steps in strengthening people-to-people engagements.

3. India and Canada are strategic partners since 2015 and our bilateral ties are underpinned by shared democracy, pluralism and expanding economic engagements.