"Richness of India’s classical traditions and the colour and vibrancy of contemporary culture are making waves around the world," the prime minister told the 9th edition of India's annual event to connect with its 25-million-strong diaspora in 130 nations.
"The government has decided to establish new Indian cultural centres in the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia, France and Australia," he said, and hoped the members of the vast Indian diaspora will support and patronise these centres.
"India’s soft power is also an increasingly important element in our expanding global footprint," he told what is formally called the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, attended by some 1,500 delegates from 51 countries.
With the stated mandate of promoting awareness of India’s composite cultural heritage overseas, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations has set up 24 Indian Cultural Centres across the globe in cities including Kabul, Cairo, Johannesburg, Tokyo and Abu Dhabi.
"Under its expansion plan, the council is opening similar centres in India's immediate and extended neighbourhoods, in the capitals of Permanent Five in the UN Security Council, Africa and Latin America," the council says.