In view of the vital contribution that is being made by NRIs and PIOs to the societies where they reside, they are well situated to play a progressively greater role in strengthening ties between India and those countries, besides also making a contribution to India's development. At the same time, the Government of India has an obligation to safeguard the welfare of Indians living abroad and to put in place rules and procedures conducive to facilitating their links with India.

For this purpose, Government has formulated the following terms of reference for the work of the High Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora. 

The HLC is required to :
~Review the status of PIOs and NRIs in the context of constitutional provisions, laws and rules applicable to them both in India and countries of their residence;

~Study the characteristics, aspirations, attitudes, requirements, strengths and weaknesses of the Indian Diaspora and their expectations from India

~Study the role that PIOs and NRIs may play in the economic, social and technological development of India.

~Examine the current regime that governs the travel and stay of PIOs in India and,  in the light of such examination, to recommend measures to resolve the problems, if any, faced by them in these areas. 

~Recommend a broad but flexible policy framework and country-specific plans for forging a mutually beneficial relationship with the PIOs and NRIs and for facilitating their interaction with India and their participation in India's economic development