Jaishankar hails role of Indian expat community By: Times News Service Muscat: Contributions of expatriates from India to the economies of Oman and other countries in which they live and work have been praised by the Indian Minister of External Affairs. Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, speaking at a discussion ahead of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a day to honour the contributions of overseas Indians – known as pravasis – called them the country’s extended family. “We have long recognised that pravasis have played a role in influencing how the world perceives us, their individual and collective accomplishments are taken as our national traits abroad,” said the minister. “Pravasis are our extended family, they live abroad, but remain deeply connected in heart and soul with us. We take great pride in their achievements, and there is always a strong sense of responsibility towards their welfare.”