New York, Aug 18 - The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) will pressure the Indian government to amend property laws to protect the interests of NRIs at its annual conference here this week.

The biggest and oldest body of the Indian diaspora will hold its two-day conference at the Crown Plaza Hotel near LaGuardia airport Aug 21-22.

It will be opened by Oversees Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi. The 20th annual conference will also be attended by Frank Wisner, former US ambassador to India.

'Though our main theme is 'People of Indian Origin: Strengthening Global Connections', our thrust this year is to put fresh pressure on the Indian government to change property ownership laws for NRIs,' outgoing GOPIO president Inder Singh told IANS.

'How can we wholeheartedly involve ourselves in India's development if someone steals our investments and properties in our absence? The current Indian laws are so outmoded that they are not even fit for Indians, let alone the diaspora,' Singh said.

'We are 25 million in strength and pumping billions into India. And don't forget that it was the NRIs who ushered in the IT revolution in India to set it on the path to greatness.