New Delhi: With a view to tap the vast potential of Indians settled abroad, government has decided to set up a Prime Minister's Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin to draw upon the experience and knowledge of the "best Indian minds".

Inaugurating the sixth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also announced a proposal to promote an India Development Foundation to direct overseas Indian philanthropic efforts into human development activities in the country.

"The Council would comprise of People of Indian Origin from a variety of disciplines who are recognised as leaders in their respective fields, not only in their country of residence but globally as well," Singh told Indian diaspora gathered here for the annual event.

Addressing the gathering, which included Leader of the Opposition L K Advani and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said the Council would serve as a high-level platform for the Prime Minister to draw upon the experience and the knowledge of the best Indian minds whereever they may be based.

Over 1,500 delegates from about 50 countries are participating in the event, organised on January 8-9 every year to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India, where he led the struggle for freedom some hundred years ago.

Source : PTI