Chennai: An exhibition showcasing India to the overseas Indians was inaugurated here Wednesday evening as part of the seventh edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)- the three-day annual diaspora meet.

"The interests of non-resident Indians (NRI) and people of Indian origian (PIOs) will be protected through various steps which are being put in place by the Indian government," V. Narayanasamy, minister of state for parliamentary affairs and planning, said after inaugurating the exhibition.

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi added: "India is poised to grow despite the global economic crisis. The two stimulus packages announced by the Indian government will rekindle the economy."

Despite the initial apprehensions about the security in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks and the global economic meltdown, the event has attracted a record number of delegates from across the world.

"Delegate registrations have crossed 1,500 which is 50 percent more than that of the previous edition," said K. Mohan Das, Secretary in the overseas Indian affairs ministry.

The exhibition includes 75 pavilions, including 12 by select states, as well as display of Indian arts, handicrafts and culture, Das said.

He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will launch the Global Indian Network of Knowledge, or Global INK, that will provide opportunity for professionals and organisations among overseas Indians to engage as partners in development projects.

The network will be a 'moderated group', coordinated by a knowledge manager supported by a small research team.