At the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Varanasi on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Indias potential to lead the world in sustainable development.

Mr. Modi also said the people living abroad need to connect culturally with the homeland, and announced that India is planning a pilgrimage scheme for people living abroad.

In many respects, India can now provide leadership in the world. The International Solar Alliance or ISA is one such platform. Through this medium, we want to take the world towards one world, one sun and one grid, said Mr. Modi.

The three-day event is part of the weeklong festivities that coincide with the Kumbh Mela and precede the Republic Day celebrations of January 26.

Mr. Modi said that Indians living abroad should work to inspire foreigners to visit the country.

I have said before and I reiterate now. Wherever you live and if you have five non-Indian families near you then motivate them to visit India. Your attempts will help in boosting the tourism sector, said Mr. Modi.

Apart from noted persons of Indian origin, the event is also being attended by a large number of foreign dignitaries including Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth who will also participate in the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

Mr. Modi also urged foreign-based Indians to contribute to the making of the new India and said people of Indian origin living abroad are not far from their place of origin. The new India that is emerging has a place for you. You can boost research and innovation with your actions here,he added.

He highlighted government schemes like Make in India and other welfare schemes including the ones that involved direct transfer of cash benefit. Mr. Modi said his government is trying to improve ties between the Indians based abroad and highlighted the easy e-visa scheme that helps in smoother paper work for travel purposes.