Economic Transformation Council Announces Global Diaspora Convergence Initiative, Beginning with Bahrain and Singapore

ETC to establish structured Indian diaspora engagement networks across the GCC and Asia-Pacific, while preparing to revive its Global Economic Intelligence Network following a prolonged interruption amid Middle East tensions.

BENGALURU, INDIA | 20 October 2026

The Economic Transformation Council (ETC) has announced its plans to advance the Global Diaspora Convergence (GDC) initiative, a structured international engagement programme intended to mobilise the professional expertise, intellectual capabilities, institutional relationships and economic contributions of Non-Resident Indians towards India's economic transformation.

The initiative will initially focus on two strategically significant regions: the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Asia-Pacific, with the first proposed engagement networks being established through the GDC Bahrain Cohort and GDC Singapore Cohort, respectively.

The programme represents an important step in ETC's broader mission to strengthen international economic cooperation, encourage knowledge exchange, facilitate industry engagement and develop constructive relationships between India and international economic ecosystems.

Mobilising the Indian Diaspora for Economic Development

GDC is founded on the principle that the global Indian diaspora represents a significant reservoir of professional knowledge, international experience, industry expertise and institutional relationships.

Through a structured framework of merit-based participation, institutional engagement and collaborative initiatives, ETC intends to connect qualified Indian professionals residing overseas with economic development priorities and emerging opportunities in India.

The initiative will engage professionals across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including manufacturing, international trade, technology, financial services, infrastructure, healthcare, education, research, sustainability, entrepreneurship and workforce development.

Participation will be based on professional merit, institutional suitability and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the programme's objectives.

A structured membership framework, supported through annual subscriptions and an expert nomination mechanism, is also being developed. This will allow approved members to recommend highly qualified professionals and subject-matter experts for independent institutional assessment and potential participation in selected initiatives.

Bahrain and Singapore as Initial Engagement Networks

ETC has identified Bahrain as the initial point for establishing the GDC engagement framework within the GCC, with subsequent expansion envisaged across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.

Singapore has been identified as the proposed starting point for the Asia-Pacific programme, providing a foundation for progressive engagement with Indian professionals across the wider region.

The Bahrain and Singapore Cohorts will operate within GDC's centrally administered institutional framework in India. They are intended to facilitate professional participation and international collaboration rather than function as independently incorporated overseas organisations.

During the initial implementation period, institutional administration, official meetings and conferences will remain based in India, while international consultations, research coordination and professional engagement will be undertaken through ETC-administered digital channels.

Any future physical operations or events outside India will be considered in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory requirements of the respective jurisdictions.

Global Economic Intelligence Network: Preparing for a New Phase

ETC also intends to resume work on its Global Economic Intelligence Network, an initiative whose progress has been interrupted for an extended period amid escalating geopolitical tensions, conflict-related uncertainty and the prevailing security environment in the Middle East.

The Council considers regional stability, institutional confidence and the continuity of international economic relationships essential to the responsible development of such initiatives.

Although circumstances have necessitated a prolonged pause, ETC remains committed to the underlying objectives of strengthening economic intelligence, facilitating informed institutional dialogue and promoting international economic cooperation.

Preparatory work towards the Network's continuation will be approached in a measured manner, taking into account evolving regional conditions, institutional readiness and the opportunities emerging from ETC's wider international engagement programmes.

Building an Institutional Platform for Long-Term Cooperation

GDC is intended to evolve beyond conventional diaspora networking by creating opportunities for structured research, professional collaboration, institutional dialogue and the identification of practical economic development initiatives.

The programme will seek to bring together professionals with complementary capabilities and encourage evidence-based engagement across economic sectors, supporting the development of meaningful international relationships and measurable institutional outcomes.

ETC envisages the progressive development of economic forums, sectoral working groups, research publications, strategic consultations and collaborative programmes, supported by qualified professionals and suitable institutional partners.

Commenting on the initiative, Mohamed Amjad Padiyath, Managing Director of the Economic Transformation Council, stated:

"The Indian diaspora represents far more than an international community connected by its origins. It possesses extraordinary intellectual, professional and institutional capabilities that can contribute meaningfully to India's economic future. Through Global Diaspora Convergence, our intention is to develop a structured platform that connects these capabilities with real economic priorities, encourages international cooperation and creates opportunities for sustained institutional engagement."

The Council will progressively introduce further details concerning GDC participation, membership classifications, expert engagement and programme implementation through its official communication channels.

Official Website: www.economictransformationcouncil.org

Media and Institutional Enquiries:

Economic Transformation Council

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India - 560 001

Email: info@etcmail.co.in