The Government today said that overseas Indians are contributing significantly to the country's development with their remittances reaching about 56 billion US dollars last year.

Addressing 6th annual conference of the heads of the missions in New Delhi today the minister of overseas affairs Mr. Vyalar Ravi said the government has taken many initiatives to help Indians abroad. He said a community welfare fund has been set up at all the Indian missions to help needy Indians. Mr. Ravi said that his ministry is pursuing a frame work agreement to facilitate migration of Indian workers to countries where they are in demand.

The minister said that the frame work is known as human resource mobility partnership (HRMP). He added this is important to cater to the requirements of other economies of the world with aging population and require workers and professionals in large numbers.

He elaborated that the agreements with several countries in this area have been signed and human resource mobility partnership pacts is being negotiated with France, Australia and European Union. Hailing the role of heads of Indian missions in evacuating Indians from Libya and Yemen, Mr. Ravi said it is important to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of overseas Indians.

He urged the heads of the missions that they have a very significant role in building a strong partnership between India and the overseas Indian community. He also urged the Indian missions’ heads to ensure participation of overseas Indians in the Parvasi Bhartiya Divas being held in Jaipur this year.

AIR correspondent reports, that the two day conference will discuss various problems faced by Indians abroad, apart from implementation of the initiatives in place for their welfare.