Chennai, Jan 8 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday launched a new initiative, the Global Indian Network of Knowledge, or Global INK, to bring India closer to its 25 million diaspora in 130 countries in the area of knowledge.

The network initiative is aimed at providing opportunities for overseas Indian professionals and organisations to engage as partners in the development projects in India, the prime minister told delegates at the inauguration of the seventh Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here.

"This network will connect people of Indian origin from a variety of disciplines to users at the national, state and local levels in India," said the prime minister.

"Our hope is that the network will facilitate transfer of knowledge and serve as a virtual think tank to generate ideas on issues such as development, education and healthcare."