India to launch 'virtual think tank' of NRIs

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has launched a new initiative to develop a Diaspora Knowledge Network called – Global Indian Network of Knowledge (Global INK).

The Global INK, an electronic platform, will connect people of Indian origin (POI) from all parts of the world, who are recognized as leaders in their respective fields, and would serve as a Knowledge Bank.

In a written reply to a question today, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi informed the Lok Sabha that the network would serve as a strategic ‘virtual think tank’.

The outcome targeted will be the germination of ideas on development, identification of the key elements in addressing the challenges to development and articulation and mapping out of solutions through innovations and technological interventions.

The minister said Global INK Portal is currently under development. It will serve as a Knowledge transfer platform and will catalyse development of the knowledge, expertise and skills of Overseas Indians in India’s development effort, he added.