MEA Secy meets Indian diaspora in NY: NRI property disputes, consular issues discussed
Indian-American community leaders urge faster resolution of diaspora concerns, including consular services, alleged misuse of legal provisions and emergency assistance
Indian-American diaspora leader Prem Bhandari has urged India's Ministry of External Affairs to address the illegal grabbing of non-resident Indian (NRI) properties, passport service issues and alleged misuse of legal provisions against overseas Indians during a meeting with MEA Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan in New York.
Bhandari, chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, raised the concerns during a detailed meeting with Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV & OIA) at the Ministry of External Affairs, as part of her outreach to the Indian diaspora in the United States. The meeting also included Ankur Vaidya, chairman of FIA (NY-NJ-CT-NE); Ajay Patel, president of BRUHUD New York Seniors; and Alok Kumar, trustee of FIA. India's Consul General in New York, Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, was also present.
Bhandari called for faster mechanisms to resolve NRI property disputes, saying overseas Indians can struggle to protect their land and property in India when they are unable to remain in the country to pursue lengthy legal proceedings. He proposed fast-track mechanisms or courts for such disputes, greater use of video conferencing for court and administrative hearings, and a national-level coordination system to assist NRIs facing property-related problems.
He also raised concerns about false FIRs and the alleged misuse of legal provisions against NRIs, alongside the need for round-the-clock emergency consular assistance for Indians in distress abroad.
Prem Bhandari Praises MEA Secretary's Diaspora Outreach
Bhandari praised Ranganathan's decision to meet diaspora representatives directly, describing the initiative as unusual in his nearly four decades in the United States.
"I have been in the United States for nearly four decades, and this is the first time I have seen a Secretary (CPV & OIA) undertake such an extensive outreach in the United States to personally understand the problems and concerns of the Indian diaspora. We deeply appreciate her patience, accessibility and willingness to listen," Bhandari said.
The discussions also covered passport renewal and re-issue procedures, improvements to VFS and consular services, and action against unauthorised agents and middlemen accused of exploiting applicants.
Ranganathan's US visit includes New York, Texas, San Francisco and Seattle, where she is engaging with diaspora leaders, community organisations, professionals and other stakeholders. The outreach is intended to gather feedback on challenges facing overseas Indians and suggestions for the forthcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD).
Ankur Vaidya Offers Suggestions for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Ankur Vaidya, chairman of FIA (NY-NJ-CT-NE), shared recommendations for the forthcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, drawing on his experience attending 16 of theconvention's 18 editions.
He offered suggestions on strengthening diaspora participation and making the event more meaningful and successful. The press note did not detail the specific proposals he put forward.
The meeting also highlighted the role of Indian-American community organisations in supporting people in need and maintaining links with India through cultural, educational, business, technological and humanitarian initiatives.
Recent government initiatives, including e-OCI, chip-enabled passports and Fast Track Immigration, were also discussed as efforts to make services for overseas Indians more technology-enabled and convenient.
The community leaders expressed hope that continued engagement between the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian diaspora organisations across the United States would help address practical concerns and strengthen ties between India and its overseas community.