Bhubaneswar, January 8: At the Joint Business Session during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized on potential of Odisha and its vital role in driving India’s global growth. In his address, Jaishankar talked about the concept of a "double engine" driving development, with Odisha positioned as a contributor to the nation’s progress.
Jaishankar emphasized the importance of India’s diaspora, describing it as a “living bridge” that connects the nation to the world. He stated, "India will be unique among rising powers in that it has effectively used, is using, and will continue to use its diaspora as a critical pathway to globalization and to its ascent in the international order."
Focusing on the three pillars of economic growth, Jaishankar outlined the "3Ts"—Trade, Technology, and Tourism—as the foundation for future development, urging Odisha to leverage its resources, talent, and strategic location to unlock its potential.
Jaishankar stressed trade as the first and main pillar. He noted that while Odisha is rich in natural resources, unlocking its full potential requires significant investments, infrastructure, and improved connectivity. "Resources need investments, they need infrastructure, and they need connectivity," he stated, emphasizing the importance of value addition to raw materials. He also pointed to Odisha's prime location on India’s eastern seaboard, which offers a strategic advantage for strengthening trade ties, particularly with Southeast Asia.
The second pillar is Technology He stressed the role of Odisha’s youthful population and strong educational institutions as key assets for building a tech-driven economy. In the digital age, he explained, trust in technology is closely linked to skilled talent, and he urged the state to tap into its local talent pool to foster collaborations and innovation in the tech sector.
The third "T," is Tourism. This sector has also the potential to create jobs and foster inclusive economic growth.
Jayasankar underscored the Modi Government's strong commitment to the "Purvodaya" initiative, which aims to revitalize Eastern India, with a special emphasis on Odisha. He emphasized that the government is focused on making pragmatic decisions that will drive this transformation, ensuring that Odisha's growth is supported through both good policies and robust infrastructure development.
In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar reflected on key factors that influence business investment decisions, such as ease of doing business, political stability, and infrastructure.
