ETC Introduces Global Diaspora Convergence (GDC) Membership for Non-Resident Indians
Institutional Update | October 2026
Expanding ETC's membership framework to connect the global Indian diaspora with international economic development, institutional collaboration and industry engagement.
Building upon its six-tier General Membership Programme introduced in 2025, the Economic Transformation Council (ETC) has established a distinct international membership framework through ETC Global Diaspora Convergence (GDC).
While ETC's General Membership framework, comprising six progressive categories with annual subscriptions ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 5,00,000, continues to support professional networking, recognition and institutional engagement, GDC introduces a specialised participation structure for eligible Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
GDC seeks to mobilise the expertise, professional networks, economic intelligence and international experience of the Indian diaspora towards India's economic transformation, industrial advancement and global institutional cooperation.
GDC International Membership Categories
The GDC framework introduces four annual membership categories, with admission determined through professional merit assessment and institutional approval.
Membership Category | Annual Subscription | Annual Expert Nominations |
Associate Member | INR 1,00,000 | 2 |
Development Member | INR 2,50,000 | 5 |
Distinguished Member | INR 5,00,000 | 10 |
Patron Member | INR 10,00,000 | 20 |
Membership privileges progressively include access to professional and industrial networks, economic research, specialised consultations and approved engagements through ETC's institutional platforms.
These include the Economic Development Advisory Body (EDAB), the Economic Strategic Investors Forum (ESIF), industry engagement programmes and, for eligible higher-tier members, specialised activities of the Deep Tech Innovation Committee (DTIC).
ESIF facilitates appropriately screened investment matchmaking and institutional introductions, subject to applicable regulations, professional suitability and independent assessment. Membership does not guarantee investment opportunities, financing or financial returns.
Founding Members and Founding Fellows
GDC recognises two distinct forms of foundational participation.
Founding Members are individuals selected from any of GDC's four approved subscription categories and specially recognised by the Council for their professional backgrounds, institutional potential and contributions towards establishing GDC. Founding recognition carries no additional subscription fee.
Founding Fellows are qualified industrial experts appointed by ETC or admitted through approved nominations to contribute specialised expertise without an individual membership subscription.
Under the Expert Nomination Programme, subscribed members may recommend qualified professionals for independent assessment by ETC. Nominations do not guarantee appointments or Fellowship recognition.
International Engagement: Bahrain and Singapore
GDC's initial international engagement will begin through the GDC Bahrain Cohort, serving as the starting point for progressive GCC engagement, and the GDC Singapore Cohort, providing the foundation for expansion into Asia-Pacific.
Both cohorts will operate within ETC's institutional framework in India. During the initial implementation period, official physical meetings and conferences will be conducted in India, while international engagement, research coordination and professional consultations will be facilitated through ETC-administered digital channels.
Membership Admission and Enquiries
Through these complementary membership frameworks, ETC aims to strengthen its national institutional engagement while building a structured international network of Indian professionals contributing to economic research, industrial advancement, innovation and sustainable development.
For GDC membership enquiries and institutional engagement:
Economic Transformation Council
Email: director@etcmail.co.in
This update introduces GDC as a distinct membership framework and does not replace ETC's previously announced six-tier General Membership Programme.
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